At a time when most stores are going from in-person to online, Anthony Cicalese, who goes by Tony, 51, brought his music collection to life from a store on eBay to Oakland Park in 2010. He opened a second store in Lauderhill in 2017.
We Got The Beats is a haven for music enthusiasts and record collectors. The store recently won an award for the Best Record Store in South Florida for the second consecutive year in the Best of Miami 2023, Readers’ Choice category for the Miami New Times.
Old-School Record Store with Something for Everyone
Cicalese describes his store as an old-school record store that has something for everyone. Originally, he wanted the store to elevate genres like dance and pop music, which he felt were underappreciated by most record stores. Years later, both stores have now expanded into more genres such as Classic Rock and Metal sections, as well as Jazz, Punk, soundtracks, and more. At the store, you can get new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, video games, Funko, Super7, and other (mostly) music-related collectibles. The store has also collaborated to put out CDs with Ultra Nate, Cazwell, and Colton Ford.
His focus continues to remain on providing a space free of judgment where people can enjoy their favorite music. When asked about what sets his store apart, Cicalese says, “We go the extra mile to get hard-to-find titles, and we are very price-conscious. No attitude, friendly service. This is not a record store like you’ve seen in a movie!.”
From eBay to Oakland Park
Cicalese opened the door to his first brick-and-mortar record store in 2010 in Oakland Park during Pride weekend. “We just celebrated our 13th anniversary, and in that time we have moved or expanded 5 times!”, says Cicalese.
Tony Cicalese is a New Jersey native who started the business of selling records on eBay in 1999. He describes himself as a music addict who would frequently visit record stores. In pursuit of finding great music, Cicalese packed up everything he had in his van and took a four-year trip across the country with his cat in the early 2000s.
Along the way, he met with his eBay customers and other sellers, attended many Mariah Carey concerts from coast to coast, and even attended the Grammy’s Award. His online store grew so big that he was flown to eBay’s headquarters regularly to provide feedback. Cicalese’s story has been featured in a few books including the “eBay Powerseller Secrets” by Brad and Debra Schepp. In 2005, Cicalese settled in South Florida, eventually opening the two stores.
Finding Home and Community in Oakland Park
Cicalese has found both a home and a community for his business in Oakland Park and hopes to expand the store in the near future. He has lived in Oakland Park for 13 years, where he served a 3-year term on an advisory board to the City Commission.
The most challenging time for the business came during COVID in 2019 when the store had to stay closed for two months. But it quickly gained momentum and has continued to grow since then. He credits participating with Records Store Day which helped him put his store on the radar for the music enthusiasts. It is also the biggest event for the stores each year.
The store’s clientele includes people of all ages and backgrounds, and it continues to expand its collection based on customer feedback.
Currently, the Oakland Park store is located at 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite #118. The Lauderhill store is located at 4588 N. University Drive. Both stores are open seven days a week.
: 840 E Oakland Park Blvd # 118, Oakland Park, FL 33334
