Vinyl, Books, and DVDs See Resurgence as Americans Seek Break From Digital Life

A growing number of Americans are stepping away from digital media and reconnecting with physical formats, and that trend is becoming increasingly visible in Maine.

Vinyl album sales in the U.S. continue to rise, and store owners say it’s not just records drawing attention. DVDs, books, VCRs, and other traditional media formats are seeing renewed interest from customers who want to disconnect from screens and subscription-based services.

At Electric Buddhas, a record store in Portland, owner Mike Breton says demand has surged for items many people once gave away. Customers are asking for vinyl, DVD players, and even VCRs. Breton says part of the appeal is ownership — having something tangible rather than relying on digital platforms that can change or disappear.

Shoppers say the experience itself plays a big role. Browsing records, flipping through albums, and listening intentionally feels more meaningful than clicking through endless digital libraries. Some customers say vinyl allows them to focus on music in a way streaming never did.

Local bookstores are seeing similar growth. At Print: A Bookstore in Portland, co-owner Josh Christie says more people are actively seeking physical books as a way to unplug. That increased interest has led the store to launch five new book clubs in just the past year, many of them attracting younger readers.

Customers say constant access to digital media can feel overwhelming, pushing them to seek slower, more intentional habits. Reading physical books, they say, adds calm and balance that screens often don’t provide.

Store owners believe the trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward authenticity and mindfulness, especially among younger generations looking to escape the nonstop digital cycle.

NBC’s Drew Peters reports that both record stores and bookstores hope the movement toward physical media continues as people search for meaningful ways to reconnect offline.

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