Culture Clash Moves Downtown

Culture Clash has become a local landmark since opening in 2004, shortly after its founder Pat O’Connor closed the doors at Boogie Records (1973-2004). O’Connor moved his small record store from its original hidden spot in the Westgate Shopping Center to the highly visible corner of Secor + Sylvania. When road construction on Secor a decade ago threatened this visibility, Pat hung hundreds of vinyl records on the roof, inadvertently establishing a visual legacy that remained over two years after his passing in late 2016. 

Determined to expand on the Culture Clash legacy, Tim Friedman took over the shop in 2017. Friedman and the dedicated employees of Toledo’s favorite record store applied their individual fingerprints onto the business; curating a wider selection of genres, organizing a more welcoming layout, and hosting more local, national, and even international live music. Over one hundred musicians and bands played live in-store performances over the last three years, and Tim launched a “Live @ Culture Clash” vinyl series to showcase local artists.

Now, Friedman is reestablishing Culture Clash under the taller roof of the historic building at 912 Monroe Street. The twenty-year home of The Paula Brown Shop begins its next chapter, as Peter and Paula Brown welcome Culture Clash into the space adjacent to their Pub. “We are so happy to have [Culture Clash] as a partner in this adventure,” said Mr. Brown after weeks of discussions. Friedman envisions an accessible and relevant cultural hub as his record store makes noise in this 130+ year old entry point into downtown Toledo.

Both Culture Clash and The Pub remain dedicated to public health and each continues to invest in a safe future for their businesses, employees, customers, and community. The pandemic prevented Tim from planning a grand reopening event befitting Culture Clash's big move, but the store quietly re-opened a few short weeks after locking the door at Secor.

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Culture Clash is a small local record store with a large presence in Toledo. Since 2004, Culture Clash has been the area’s best place to buy, sell, or trade records as well as being the most underrated spot to catch live music. Culture Clash is now at 912 Monroe Street in downtown Toledo.