Today we’d like to introduce you to Osmar Romero.
Hi Osmar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our journey at El Marchante began seven years ago when Manuel Díaz and I, friends from the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), discovered our shared passion for music and literature. What started as a small project focused on buying and selling books soon expanded to include our growing interest in vinyl records. It’s fascinating how a simple hobby can evolve into a dedicated venture.
As the years passed, our collection blossomed from 1,500 vinyl records housed in a small apartment to a 130,000 records in our current location in Caracas. The meticulous process involved classifying each record initially sold exclusively online. The transition from a warehouse to a public space for in-person purchases took place in July 2022.
Currently residing in Southern California, I coordinate a branch specifically tailored to the U.S. market while maintaining constant communication with the Caracas store. El Marchante has become a global endeavor, shipping records worldwide and reaching places as far as Japan, Croatia, and Australia. It’s truly amazing to see the international reach of our passion project.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our journey with El Marchante has been rewarding, but it hasn’t been without challenges. Importing records to the U.S. from Venezuela is tough; most come from South America, making shipping costly and complicated. Keeping the Caracas store and the warehouse in California in sync across distances is an ongoing struggle, requiring constant effort.
Despite these challenges, each hurdle teaches us something, contributing to El Marchante’s growth. Our passion for preserving Venezuela and Latin America’s cultural and sound memory keeps us going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
El Marchante is dedicated to curating and sharing a blend of vintage and modern vinyl records, with a primary emphasis on preserving the musical heritage of Venezuela and Latin America. More than just a store, we’re driven by a passion for celebrating the enduring allure of vinyl and its significance in our cultural history. This commitment leads us to organize music events in both Caracas and Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, we host a monthly event series named Mosaico at The Goldfish in Highland Park. This night is dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of Latin American and Caribbean music.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Los Angeles is undoubtedly the beach. Being close to the sea is a blessing, and it provides a sense of tranquility and beauty. The city’s diverse culinary offerings also stand out – the food here is incredible, with options of every kind.
As for what I like least, I think we all agree is traffic hahaha.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmarchante
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elmarchante
