The record store used to be the cornerstone of the music industry, acting as a place to meet like-minded people, host amazing events, and promote the latest and greatest in the industry. But in recent times, with the emergence of digital media, they have fallen to ruin. Now, the last bastion of a bygone age is finally shutting up shop, with Sam Goody's saying goodbye.
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Way back in the 50's Sam 'Goody' Gutowitz opened his first New York store on 9th street. He capitalized on the invention of long-playing records and started to draw in the masses, capturing the record store community that emerged. Alongside his single shop front, he made his name selling mail-order music at a discount. He was a hero among broke college students.
However, despite the success of the music chain, Sam Goody's almost had to shut up shop in 1959. It was bought out by a group of creditors and continued moving from strength to strength. Eventually, after changing hands time after time, the record shop was acquired by Trans World Entertainment.
However, now, with only two stores remaining, it is the end for Sam Goody's. The final shop fronts are facing the end, with closure dates for one already announced, and the second one's final days still to be revealed. The Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville store will close in February, and the Rogue Valley Mall, Medford, Oregon one is still yet to be announced.
Sam Goody's Was The End of An Era, But Not A Culture
If you look around, there are still record shops to be found. The sale of vinyl records surpassed that of CDs for the second year in a row in 2023. The resurgence of the large format, beautifully decorated vinyl has managed to keep independent record stores alive.
However, this being said, something as massive as Sam Goody's just can't stay afloat on something that is so niche. The independent record store is king here. I still visit them on occasion for the events they host, from music releases to art exhibitions.
Despite the move to digital for most music lovers, I think there is still a huge charm in the record store. Flicking through vinyl, listening to new records, and meeting music lovers is something still reserved for the record shop. The end of Sam Goody's marks the end of the commercial record shop. However, I like to believe that the indie store will stand strong for some time yet.
