The Record Store Problem (Score 0)

The reason music retailers in general are hurting is because of the high price of CDs. No one wants to pay the same price for a music CD as they would for a DVD. However, there is a huge demand for music. Most people I know would buy endless amounts of music if CDs were between $6 and $9 regularly. Even many good independent titles cost over $12 to buy. This is absurd when most DVDs cost $10-$20. But, record stores can do nothing about this because of the current distribution model. Record stores will perish if many of the current middlemen in the industry aren't cut out. Of course, it is hard for labels to sell directly to every retailer, but it seems prices could be cut by doing this. I know of many strong independent labels that sell directly from their website, skipping the whole distribution process altogether! There are also other ways to keep music stores open. For one, they need to get away from being "just" record stores. Many sell clothing. Another way for small, independent stores to get a regular customer base is to setup shop in a place that has a small venue so bands can play there. Do free(or cheap) shows, and people will buy things while they are there. Many other ideas in this thread are good too. Setup terminals so people can research music. Make the store a "hip" spot to go to. Get involved with the local music scene. Sell used CDs as cheap as possible. I am personally tired of hearing little record stores bitch about how downloads hurt their business. The business has changed. Either adapt, or perish. It is really rather simple.