There are several reasons why so many record stores have closed over the years, including 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.
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 a lot of 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 – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Rough Trade – London, UK
- Tower Records – Tokyo, Japan
- Waterloo Records – Austin, TX, USA
- Electric Fetus – Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Zia Records – Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Rasputin Music – San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
- Streetlight Records – Santa Cruz, San Jose, and San Francisco, CA, USA
- Grimey’s New & Preloved Music – Nashville, TN, USA
- Euclid Records – St. Louis, MO, USA
