Cheapo Records, a longstanding fixture in Cambridge’s Central Square, has played a significant role in the local music scene since its inception in 1954. Originally operating out of the basement of Skippy White’s record store at 538 Massachusetts Avenue, the shop later relocated across the street and became known for its three-for-$5 vinyl promotion under the name Cambridge Music Box. Over the decades, Cheapo has built a reputation for offering a wide range of music genres and eras, appealing to a diverse customer base and helping to preserve a sense of continuity in a rapidly evolving neighborhood.

The store has weathered numerous changes in the music industry, from the advent of cassette tapes and compact discs to the current dominance of streaming services. Despite these challenges, Cheapo has remained operational, owing much of its recent revival to owner Bob Perry, who assumed control in 2016. At that time, the shop faced financial difficulties, but Perry's leadership provided new direction and a renewed focus on serving a broad demographic, ranging from older rock vinyl collectors to younger fans of hip-hop and contemporary music.

According to Perry, the store's staff carefully select and price records to maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory rather than chasing short-lived trends. The store’s layout features an entryway with affordable records priced at one dollar, alongside specialized crates organized by genre and decade deeper inside the shop.

Industry observers have credited Cheapo’s enduring success to the dedication of its employees and the loyalty of the surrounding community. Pat McGrath, owner of Looney Tunes Records in nearby Allston, highlighted the importance of shops like Cheapo in sustaining a love for music and encouraging ongoing patronage by offering both classic and current selections.

Today, Cheapo Records remains a vital cultural institution within Central Square, embodying a deep-rooted commitment to music and community engagement in Cambridge.