Are Record Stores Worth Saving?

Let's face it, people are consuming music in a way that is totally different from the way they did even just a few years ago. Still, there is something about buying music at a physical record store that you just can't get from buying music via download or mail.

Are record stores worth saving? More thoughts...

Interesting in hearing what you think. How do you purchase music? Are you still making physical albums or are you releasing everything digitally? Let me know below...

Comments

[Phil Johnson]

I used to spend a lot of time in record stores. And I find that I simply don't have the time to anymore. I tend to grab a handful of CDs I've never heard from my local library, find the ones I like, then buy them online. CDs, not MP3. I still like to hold something for my money. Old school, I know. :)

I'm lucky that I've got a well stocked library, so that's not a solution in any fashion. Libraries like that are not the usual.

I think the writer is correct that record stores need to be more about the lifestyle of being into music (truly.. Not just Hot Topic trendy style) to keep people coming in. A kid may not go in just to buy the CD. But he'll go in to buy one if the band is there to autograph it.

[Lee Jarvis]

Funnily enough, I posted a blog that you may like with my ideas on "Saving the Record Store". I am a huge music fan, and miss the days of discovering something unique and fresh in a physical form, but understand that convenience rules for the majority of music consumers. If record stores could change their strategies slightly, find their niches and back it up with a strong online campaign, I think some of them will continue for a while longer. (More here - http://leejarvis.blogspot.com/2009/02/saving-record-store.html)

Best,

Lee.

[Charles]

I totally agree.

I am a big vinyl fan.

Ah..... the 70's.... Such good music.

Be well!

[Ed]

"Are record stores worth saving?", I think the answer is in the question. Sounds a lot like "lets save the whales". Record stores will still be around for the novelty of it, and the collectors items as Billy mentions. Maybe antique shops and record stores can start sharing space.