Comments on: Virgin Music Megastores Are History

By: St. B from DEAD PANDA

St. B from DEAD PANDA — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:28:16 +0000

So Virgin is dead, but Amoeba is thriving? Too bad none of these failing record stores are cognitive enough to find out WHY Amoeba is doing so well. I have my own theories, like Amoeba is just a really cool place to hang out in besides shop. It has a community spirit that is missing from most retail businesses.
Wal-Mart’s selection of music is droll and caters specifically to the lowest-common denominator. The fact that Wal-Mart can beat record stores at music sales illustrates the sad lack of intellect in our modern culture.

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:21:03 +0000

@keyofgrey: You are totally right about those facts, but what is the need of a physical boutique in a high-end neighbourhood? Sure those absurd rents has to be paid somehow and its all divided down on the retailprice of an useless piece of plastic.
I can understand the business-idea back in the eighties from mr Branson, but time(read internet) really plunged such pioneering ideas away.
And I agree with you, it’s nicer with the vinyl sleeve in hand while listening than some boring mp3, but I’ll guess we’ll just have to find those collectors markets instead, one just opened in my hood.

By: KeyOfGrey

KeyOfGrey — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:39:16 +0000

I guess I’m in the minority here. When I pay money for something, I still want a physical item, like vinyl or a CD. Luckily when Virgin closed here in Vancouver, HMV took them over (although HMV is now going under too). When I can’t find what I’m looking for on the internet for download, I can usually find it there, or they can order it for me…even in vinyl.

@Georg : Interestingly, a lot of artists are using Starbucks to launch their music. If I recall correctly some even exclusively launched titles there.

@Eric : Virgin Megastores were completely separate from their record label interests as was evidenced by the fact that they carried indie releases as well as those from other major labels. Richard Branson operates his companies as completely separate entities which is necessary since his modus operandi is to create businesses that he can then sell off easily without entanglement from other divisions.

By: Georg

Georg — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:33:06 +0000

People are learning about music on the Internet and getting it over the Internet – so they don’t need corporate music stores any more.

I’d like something replace the “place” to discover music, though.

Maybe coffee shops will do it?

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:48:20 +0000

They killed themselves, there were just in the hands of the record companys anyway, record companys try to sell plastic crap for an overprice, the pop culture is not needed anymore, music consumers look for quality and internet is controlling their input and consuming.

By: stretta

stretta — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:33:16 +0000

Retail is dying in general. It isn’t just record stores, it is book stores, clothing stores, etc. Big box companies certainly don’t help, nor does the current economic outlook. However, the primary accelerating factor is the perceived value of recorded music in the eyes of consumers.