The Demise of the Grand Record Store

Everything must go and it has...this past weekend I am sad to say that the Virgin Megastore in Union Square has officially shutdown. New York no longer has a flagship record store and this is truly the demise of the grand record shop. What was great about Virgin, is that it was a cool spot to browse and preview some albums, perhaps pick up one or two CD's and spark up a conversation with music lovers. But all that is no more.

Dozens of smaller record stores are still open in New York, and at least 2,000 independent shops exist around the country, according to the Almighty Institute of Music Retail, a market research company. Many of those independents have banded together to promote events like Record Store Day, which had its second anniversary in April. They are also promoting Vinyl Saturday on June 20, which will feature specially produced records by artists like Wilco and Modest Mouse to draw customers.

Looks like Best Buy and iTunes it is. Check out the NY Times for more.