MANSFIELD — Just steps from the Richland Carrousel stands a collector’s paradise where nostalgia and pop culture collide.
Operation Fandom & Blackbird Records, located at 36 W. Fourth St. in downtown Mansfield, celebrates everything from sports cards to vinyl records — and nearly everything in-between.
Founded by Joshua Lehman, the business began as a way to share his lifelong love of collecting.
What started with selling memorabilia alongside his father has grown into three Ohio locations, in Wooster, Medina, and Mansfield, where visitors can rediscover the joy of fandom.
The Mansfield store is the largest and most imaginative yet, and it is still growing. The Books, Curiosities, and Apothecary section is expanding into the neighboring space at 34 W. Fourth St. and will reopen as Blackbird Books, Curiosities, and Apothecary, creating even more room for visitors to discover treasures.
Inside, every corner offers something to explore: Star Wars figures, Harry Potter wands, Pokémon cards, vintage toys, and retro video games. A hand-crafted Hogwarts castle built by Beth Lehman and her former woodworking students anchors the Harry Potter corner, while murals by local artist Allison Pence add to the creative atmosphere.
On the Blackbird Records side, music fans can dig through thousands of new and used albums, including records from Y105’s former collection, along with CDs, cassettes, and turntables. A cozy book, curiosities, and an apothecary room complete the experience.
The shop is also proud to be one of the many mom-and-pop stores in the nation to host Record Store Day, a biannual celebration of independent record shops and the camaraderie of collecting vinyl. Music lovers can purchase limited-edition releases available only for the event.
The next Record Store Day will be Friday, Nov. 28.
The shop’s regular hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Operation Fandom and Blackbird Records invite visitors to browse, trade, or simply relive their favorite fandoms, one collectible or record at a time.
Learn more about Operation Fandom & Blackbird Records on Facebook and Instagram!
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