Finding this shop was an epiphany. I was looking for a record shop close to where I work as I needed a birthday present and getting a record was a last minute decision. So I went there during my lunch break and since I did not have hours to spend finding that one record my friend would fall in love with, I asked one of the staff for a recommendation.

After describing my friend’s taste the guy handed over three records of, to me, unknown bands which I listened to over headphones. It occurred to me only then how many hours I used to spend in music shops flipping through heaps of record sleeves and CDs before iTunes hit the industry and buying music became quick but boring. That day I rediscovered slowness. My visit made me buy a record player and now my 40cm of unused vinyl at home are being played again.

At Optimal you can buy new records, which also come in a digital version, as well as second hand records. Their range includes indie, techno/electronic, Hip Hop, R ‘n B, Soul, Jazz and dance but you can also buy the odd classical one or find vintage rock vinyl. If you are interested in this kind of music check out their website where you can buy tickets for gigs at top venues in Munich. They also do gigs in the shop itself.