Uploaded March 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Turtle's Records and Tapes was a Southern USA retail chain, based in Atlanta, that specialized in selling cassettes, records, and concert tickets; in the latter years of the chain's existence, it also rented movies in VHS format. Turtle's was recognized for its trademark logo, an upright standing turtle with its neck twisted around in several coils as he attempts to look backwards. It was known for its deep selection and one of the most varied video rental offerings in its markets before the arrival of the big chains such as Blockbuster Inc. Small gold coins with a turtle on one side and a record on the other were issued by the stores for gift certificates. Owned and incorporated by Al Levenson in 1977, the chain was regional in nature, concentrated in Georgia and Florida. Levenson sold the chain to Clinton Holding Co. of White Plains, New York around 1983 although he still remained in charge of its operations. At the time of the sale the chain consisted of 26 stores in the Atlanta metro area, but by October 1986 the business had expanded to 70 stores with locations in cities such as Birmingham, Alabama, Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Macon.
The now defunct WKLS FM/AM 96 Rock (Atlanta) was a strategic partner with Turtle's. The famous 96 Rock license plates (tags) and other swag was sold at every store in the Atlanta area.
Turtle's Records and Tapes was a Southern USA retail chain, based in Atlanta, that specialized in selling cassettes, records, and concert tickets; in the latter years of the chain's existence, it also rented movies in VHS format. Turtle's was recognized for its trademark logo, an upright standing turtle with its neck twisted around in several coils as he attempts to look backwards. It was known for its deep selection and one of the most varied video rental offerings in its markets before the arrival of the big chains such as Blockbuster Inc. Small gold coins with a turtle on one side and a record on the other were issued by the stores for gift certificates. Owned and incorporated by Al Levenson in 1977, the chain was regional in nature, concentrated in Georgia and Florida. Levenson sold the chain to Clinton Holding Co. of White Plains, New York around 1983 although he still remained in charge of its operations. At the time of the sale the chain consisted of 26 stores in the Atlanta metro area, but by October 1986 the business had expanded to 70 stores with locations in cities such as Birmingham, Alabama, Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Macon.
The now defunct WKLS FM/AM 96 Rock (Atlanta) was a strategic partner with Turtle's. The famous 96 Rock license plates (tags) and other swag was sold at every store in the Atlanta area.
