I haven’t been to every RSD but I’ve been to several. Been to large stores that go all out and a small store that participates grudgingly. One year, at the small store, I was there to get an obscure record I was sure no one would want. There were 9 of us in line before the store opened. The couple that was first in line had a good-sized box with them. When the store opened, they ran in, to the table that had all the releases and basically raked every single one into the box. I was shocked that they got out of there in one piece.
Every criticism I hear of this event is valid. I think the best way to handle it would be this: when the list is released, allow customers to order one of each, pay for it, and then select a participating store to have it sent to. Pickup has to be on RSD. This solves the problem of having to show up real early, wait in line, and wondering if you’ll even get what you want. The stores won’t be stuck with unwanted, unsellable stock, and customers will still show up on RSD to pick up their orders (which is the main purpose, to get people into the stores) and at different times of the day (most stores, it’s pretty much over two hours after opening).
Thoughts, comments, suggestions…..