There are several reasons why so many record stores have closed over the years, including the Rise of digital music:
The advent of digital music and the popularity of online streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have significantly decreased the demand for physical music media like CDs and vinyl records. Online retail:
With the growth of e-commerce, many people now prefer to purchase music online rather than in brick-and-mortar stores.
The decline in physical media sales: In addition to music, other forms of physical media like DVDs and Blu-ray discs have also experienced a decline in sales due to the popularity of streaming services.
High overhead costs: Running a physical store comes with many overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and staffing, making it difficult for some independent record stores to stay afloat.
Changes in music industry practices: Changes in the music industry, such as the consolidation of major labels, have made it harder for smaller record stores to obtain stock and compete with larger chain stores.
All of these factors, along with others, have contributed to the decline of record stores in recent years. Record stores that are still open are.
Amoeba Music:
Amoeba Music is an independent record store chain in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, California, USA. It was founded in 1990 by former employees of Rasputin Music.The store quickly gained a reputation for its extensive collection of music across various genres and formats.
Amoeba Music’s flagship store in Los Angeles, situated on Sunset Boulevard, became the largest independent record store in the world. The San Francisco and Berkeley locations also became iconic destinations for music enthusiasts. Amoeba Music is known for its commitment to supporting and promoting a wide range of music. Website: https://www.amoeba.com/
Rough Trade:
Rough Trade originated as an independent record label in London, UK 1976, founded by Geoff Travis. In 1978, the Rough Trade record store opened in Ladbroke Grove, providing a platform for independent and alternative music.The store quickly became a vital hub for music enthusiasts and played a crucial role in the punk and post-punk movements.
Over the years, Rough Trade expanded its presence and now operates stores in London, New York City, and Nottingham. Today, Rough Trade continues to be a respected name in the music industry, offering a diverse selection of music and hosting live performances. Website: https://roughtrade.com/
Tower Records:
Tower Records was founded in Sacramento, California, USA, in 1960 by Russ Solomon. It grew into a major record store chain with locations across the United States and internationally.
Tower Records gained a reputation for its extensive selection of music and knowledgeable staff, catering to various musical tastes and genres. The Tokyo location in the Shibuya district became one of the world’s most iconic and last remaining Tower Records stores. Unfortunately, the chain faced financial difficulties and declared bankruptcy in 2006, leading to the closure of many of its locations.
Waterloo Records:
Waterloo Records was established in Austin, Texas, USA, in 1982. The store was founded by John Kunz and named after the nearby Waterloo Park. Waterloo Records quickly became a staple in Austin’s vibrant music scene, gaining popularity among music lovers for its wide range of offerings.
The store provides a vast music collection in various formats, including vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and more. Waterloo Records strongly focuses on supporting local and independent artists, regularly hosting live performances and events. Website: https://www.waterloorecords.com/
Electric Fetus:
Electric Fetus opened in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, in 1968. Founded by Keith Covart and partners, the store quickly became a popular destination for music enthusiasts. Electric Fetus gained recognition for its eclectic selection of music across various genres and formats.
It played a vital role in Minneapolis’ music scene, serving as a hub for local musicians and fans. Electric Fetus commits to supporting local talent and providing diverse music. Website: https://www.electricfetus.com/
Zia Records:
Zia Records was established in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. It started as a small record store and expanded over the years to become a well-known chain with multiple locations across Arizona and Nevada. Zia Records offers a wide variety of music genres, including new and used vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and more.
The store also buys and trades used music, allowing music lovers to discover hidden gems. Zia Records is committed to supporting local artists and often hosts in-store performances and events, creating a vibrant community for music enthusiasts. Website: https://www.ziarecords.com/
Rasputin Music:
Rasputin Music is a record store chain based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. It was founded in 1971 by Ken Sarachan. The store quickly gained popularity for its extensive music collection, including vinyl records, CDs, and more. Rasputin Music expanded its presence to multiple locations across the Bay Area, becoming a beloved destination for music enthusiasts.
The stores offer diverse music genres and formats, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to promoting local artists. Website: https://www.rasputinmusic.com/
Streetlight Records:
Streetlight Records is a well-known record store chain with locations in Santa Cruz, San Jose, and San Francisco, California, USA. The first store was opened in Santa Cruz in 1978, catering to the area’s vibrant music scene. Streetlight Records quickly became a popular destination for music lovers, offering a wide range of music genres and formats.
The store expanded to include locations in San Jose and San Francisco, serving as hubs for local musicians and fans. Streetlight Records continues to support independent and local artists and hosts live performances and events. Website: https://www.streetlightrecords.com/
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music:
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music is a renowned record store located in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. It was founded in 1999 by Mike Grimes and Doyle Davis. The store quickly gained recognition within the music community and became vital to Nashville’s music scene.Grimey’s offers a diverse selection of new and used music across various genres, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. It has become a cultural hub for musicians, hosting live performances and events and supporting local talent. Website: https://www.grimeys.com/
Euclid Records:
Euclid Records is an independent record store in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. It was founded in 1983 by Tom Ray and Mark Saleski. Euclid Records quickly became a beloved destination for music enthusiasts, offering a wide range of music genres and formats, including vinyl records, CDs, and more.
The store is known for its curated collection of new and used music, focusing on quality and diversity. Euclid Records continues to be a prominent fixture in St. Louis’ music scene, supporting local artists and hosting in-store performances. Website: https://www.euclidrecords.com/
