CA, US & World
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.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 13, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Xzavier Hernandez with the dot towards the back of the endzone, 2) Jesse Rodriguez with the 50 plus yard TD throw, 3) Trace Vargas with the diving TD, 4) Ryan Rumsey with the screen pass TD, making guys miss, or 5) Moyses Aguilar with the pick #fyp #fnl2026 #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball #fridaynightlights
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
⚡️ TOP STORY: A man is recovering after he was struck by lightning. Firefighters battled a brush fire along Snow Creek Road, while another lightning strike in Chino Canyon sent a man to the hospital. If you hear thunder, stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. #PalmSprings #Lightning #FireSafety
🚨 Chasing that year-round “summer glow”? A social media tanning trend involving the unapproved peptide melanotan-2 is raising serious safety concerns. Dermatologists say safer sunless tanning options are available. ☀️ #YourHealthToday #SkinHealth #Melanotan2 #TanningSafety
Palm Springs firefighters responded Thursday to a report of a person struck by lightning in the Chino Canyon area. The person was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Firefighters also responded to a palm tree fire in Chino Canyon that officials say was caused by an apparent lightning strike. NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese is in the neighborhood tonight knocking on doors and trying to learn more about what happened. Did you see the lightning strike? Did you hear or see anything unusual? Do you know who was struck or have information that could help us understand what happened? We’d like to hear from you. Send us a DM here or contact NBC Palm Springs if you witnessed the incident or have information to share. #PalmSprings #ChinoCanyon #Lightning #PalmSpringsNews #NBCPalmSprings CoachellaValley BreakingNews
Fred Roggin’s response? Show us the receipts! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
A $557k budget shortfall … so why do they need $11.3 million in new taxes? Are you voting Yes or No on Measure P? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
School board trustee wears “FAFO” shirt to court deposition. Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇🏽 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
Estevan Figueroa of King’s Club Barbershop is giving back across the Coachella Valley — one haircut at a time. He and his team recently gave dozens of free haircuts to kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Cathedral City. Figueroa also provides clothing, essentials and encouragement to people in need. Inspired by lessons from his father, he’s now started a nonprofit to help even more people in the community. “Look good, feel good.” @barbercipactli Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com.
9 months. 5 deposition notices. 1 no-show. What is this official hiding under oath? Let us know what you think in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #jesusgonzalez #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings