So This Really Is The End....

I very much miss the record store experience even though I have limited need/desire for physical media.

The need is for a place to go, a thing to do, that feeds into my interests, Even a record store doesn’t exactly do that anymore, even though there isn’t a better model right now.

So, my thought is, records stores need to find a way to join the 21st century rather than cater to the dinosaurs until we all turn into petroleum.

To me, a 21st century equivalent would have physical media available, but would be more about the connections between people that otherwise don’t get to happen. Ideally a 21st century experience would almost be like a cafe - with some food and beverages, some element of a Japanese vinyl bar, some elements of sharing music, possibly even some elements of used/new gear. Friday night and weekend scheduled events as ice-breakers. Make it the destination of the day, not the place to stop on the way somewhere. If I ran it, it would also be the best hash bar (i.e. dispensary) in town. Imagine the music/weed pairings!

It would also sell downloads. You can take your music home on a USB stick or be emailed a link to DL later. Or you can just earmark the music you heard that you like for later exploration through your online account or mobile app with the store. It should just integrate with your Spotify or Qobuz account. 

The challenge is, those of us who would understand this vision are probably in income brackets too high to be the entrepreneur who does it.

Thanks to all for the input, the post lives! @jji666 yes, a very creative business model seems more necessary today than it did thirty five years ago. By the way way, I picked up a pre-owned Edwin Fischer Piano, Andante Label box set on eBay just a couple of days ago. I got it in the mail yesterday! So I'm still buying physical, digital media and the occasional new, remastered vinyl pressing. So us sixty plus year old dinosaurs, are still searching about town for someone to chat with about bands, records and the good ole days. Employees however seem to get younger and younger and there's a gap that can't be bridged between The Incredible String Band and Drake. Eventually we'll die out but I make the assumption that music will live on in some format or other.

Not every bricks-and-mortar record store is on the way out. I just visited a new spot in Portland, OR's Sellwood neighborhood called "The Record Pub." They've been in business since July '22 and sell vinyl and cassettes (of all things) - a good selection of both new and used vinyl. Vintage hi-fi gear is also part of their business as well as at least six craft beers and one cider on tap, wine and all sorts of bottled beers and soft drinks. They hold "'record bingo" weekly and the whole place has a great vibe. I found them on the web while my wife and I were visiting friends in Portland, we visited and had a fine time. If you're in Portland, look them up. They're on S. Milwaukie Ave. Don't bemoan the departed; raise up the new!

@mahgister wondered what happened to you, still don't have the time to read your posts  AB

In short: i was in the obligation to sell my house suddenly... I loose my music because i loose my acoustic dedicated room which was for the first time of my life pure musical 3-D soundfield... I was sad and depressed, in the tsunami of selling and buying... my health did not improve 10 months ago... and i did not have anything to communicate here anymore...

But to regain joy and music,  i go into headphone, takes 6 months ofr intensive listening experiments and modifications with the AKG K 340... Now i am happy nmore than ever musically and acoustically , in a better health... I missed friendships here... I came back...

Thanks for your kind interest toward me...

I wish you the very best...

@mahgister wondered what happened to you, still don’t have the time to read your posts AB