Deep Thoughts record store to move from JP to Northampton

A new era for Deep Thoughts is upon us. 

The owners of the psychedelic record store in Jamaica Plain announced on Facebook on Monday that the store is relocating to downtown Northampton. 

“We very much treasured being in Jamaica Plain for 11 1/2 wonderful years, but the ability to host our business within a healthy commute of our home is an opportunity too good to pass up,” wrote Deep Thoughts JP owners Nick Williams and Alaina Stamatis. 

They said that the only reason the store remained open for so long, despite their living so far away, was their “amazing” staff. 

But they hope to become more hands-on again, and “we truly cannot wait!” 

Deep Thoughts is known for catering to more than psych fans and Deadheads, even if it’s home to the trippy Grateful Dead jam band Owsley’s Owls, which features the store’s owners. 

The store has many styles and genres (including some killer bargain bins), clothing, books, and performance space. 

The last day the store in Boston will be open is Sunday, Sept. 29. The next day, the owners will begin the process of relocating into their new storefront at 5 Market St., in Northampton, across the street from the Roost Cafe, vintage shops, and a used bookseller. 

“It was very wonderful,” said Stamatis in a phone call to Boston.com. “The location is wonderful. Jamaica Plain is the best neighborhood in Boston. Whenever there are negative tropes about Boston, none exist in Jamaica Plain.”

Stamatis says she is sad to say goodbye to the Jamaica Plain location but excited to no longer have to commute upwards of two hours each way to work.

The owners describe the new digs as having hardwood floors, large windows, and exposed brick, a far cry from their current location at 138-B South St., which has a small storefront window leading to a narrow store in the back. 

Stamatis says the new store will have much of the spirit of the current one, but because of how the space is laid out, it will not have the same level of decorations.

“The current shop is a living art installation,” said Stamatis. “There will be elements, but it won’t be the same.”

A video of the current store shows vintage decorations, posters tied in with eclectic knickknacks, and collages, all inter-mixed with vinyl, CDs, and books. 

Stamatis joked, “Get your selfies now.” However, she added, “We will bring as much of the vibe to Northampton as possible.”

Deep Thoughts was picked as Greater Boston’s favorite record store in Boston.com’s 2023 readers’ guide poll, and continued to be highly rated by readers this year. 

“Deep Thoughts became my favorite record store the second I walked in,” wrote Ray W. of Jamaica Plain. “Unbelievable atmosphere for a hardcore Deadhead like myself, but completely open and welcoming to any kind of music taste.”

Another reader, Tyler of Northampton — who is no doubt excited about their new location — said the record store has the “best selection of old and new stock, tons of rare and hard-to-find records, other stuff like old comics, great collection of books – like a museum of cool stuff.”

Or as one reader, Ben W., of Jamaica Plain, wrote, “It’s the ONLY record store. It’s also my church. If Deep Thoughts closes, I’m moving out of Boston.”

On Facebook Monday, locals called the store “irreplaceable” and “beloved space.” Some said they would make the trek to Western Mass. to see them, while others rejoiced that they would be coming closer to them. 

As one customer said, “Glad to hear y’all found a good spot out there, but I’ll miss this place for sure! Thanks for the memories.” 

“Nick and I were both profoundly moved by the level of love, support, and even disappointment we received in response to our social media announcement,” Stamatis said. “It’s obviously very scary uprooting one’s sole source of income and moving it across the state, but the level to which people assured us that while it was JP’s loss, it was Northampton’s gain. That was really something.”