Independent record stores thrive in some cities

A good article on independent music stores in Austin and how they have done well by serving niche markets.

Independent music stores are an important component to a strong local music scene.

In Austin, niche indies rule: "It appeared to be the end of the era of the independents.

"But not in Austin.

"Waterloo Records & Video and Cheapo Discs, the big boys of the local independents, continue to thrive. Much of the CD traffic in Austin for Tejano and Latin music stayed at smaller stores, many of them also offering clothing, phone cards and Spanish-language movies.

"And during the past two years, Austin has seen an explosion of indies. Filled with vinyl, CDs, T-shirts and collectibles, half a dozen stores have popped up — Sound on Sound Records and Backspin Records in the north, Snake Eyes Vinyl in the east, and End of an Ear and Friends of Sound Records south of the river.

"What do all these shops provide? Old-school, music-nerd customer service. Few employees. Plenty of vinyl, both cheap and collectible. In-store performances that cater to a customer base that's built by strong word of mouth.

"And, most importantly, they each fill a niche that serves segments of the music-happy Austin population.

"Seattle, another city with a strong music scene, also is bucking the national trend of independent record store closings. Ruben Mendez, a former Waterloo employee now at the similar Sonic Boom Records in Seattle, says the indie stores are thriving in his town, citing business expansions and new openings since Napster launched the downloading craze in 2000."

music scene
indie
Austin
record store