Book and Record Shop Obi Opened on South Lamar
The new retail space at 2055 S. Lamar Blvd. features a curated selection of books, records, and art objects.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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South Lamar Boulevard has a new destination for collectors with the soft opening of Obi, a shop focused on books, vinyl records, and art objects. Founders Michael Magers and Sergio Alcocer launched the space to showcase items sourced through their personal connections in Japan.
Why it matters
The shop aims to provide a setting for slow discovery, emphasizing craftsmanship over mass-market retail trends. It marks a new addition to the South Lamar corridor's evolving local business landscape.
The shop owners have completed 26 visits to Japan over the last 14 years to build their sourcing network, drawing on 15 years of total documentation in the field. Operating hours are currently limited to specific windows in early October.
The players
Michael Magers
A founder of the shop who has spent 15 years documenting global craftsmanship.
Sergio Alcocer
A founder of the shop who helped launch the new retail space on South Lamar.
The details
Obi is located at 2055 S. Lamar Blvd. and features inventory including Japanese pressings that arrive with obi strips. The interior layout is designed to display projects directly on wall space, intended to complement the retail items offered. The owners utilize their network in Japan to secure unique goods not commonly found elsewhere in the city.
Timeline
The shop began its soft opening phase on October 2, 2026.
Initial operating hours run from October 2-4, 2026.
Secondary operating hours are set for October 9-11, 2026.
The Texas Context
The shop derives its name and primary inventory focus from the specific Japanese marketing practice of the obi strip. This retail approach follows a pattern of niche, collector-focused boutiques finding a home in Austin's established commercial corridors.
Shoppers can visit the new store at 2055 S. Lamar Blvd. during its currently scheduled operating windows in early October. Traffic along the South Lamar corridor remains subject to typical peak hour congestion near the shop's new location.
The takeaway
Collectors interested in Japanese pressings and artisanal goods should keep an eye on the shop's operating schedule in early October. Visit the store at 2055 S. Lamar Blvd. during the upcoming window from October 9-11 to view the current collection.
Further reading
Explore other recent Austin Openings & Closings to see how the local retail environment continues to change.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CultureMap Austin.
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