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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: bellenseb on March 08, 2004, 05:43:00 pm
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Just got an email that Now! is closing.
They were great back in Clarendon but things got pretty sad in Old Town...big, dark and empty. At this point it was clearly time to go.
So, let's all reminisce about Now!
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Now was a great store to visit in Clarendon and I only went to the Old Town store once. Didn't even make it to store when it was out briefly near Seven Corners.
They use to have great in stores in Clarendon. Saw some great shows there... Charming, Devon Green, Swearing at Motorists, Phaser etc.
But my favorite show was when Anne Summers showed up dressed in track suits and preceeded to do all lounge versions of their songs while acting like New Jersey tough guys. It was hilarous
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Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:
Swearing at Motorists
would you recommend their recorded material, I have heard a lot about them, but never went as far as picking up an album
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it's been awhile since i've listen to their stuff, but from what i recall it was pretty primal guitar and drums duo stuff.
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Too bad about Now! Music and Fashion. The location in Old Town was terrible. It was upstairs over a McDonalds in a really depressing building. The Clarendon location was great, near Iota and Galaxy Hut in a neighboorhood where a lot of music people live and hang out. Your average Old Town resident on the other hand had no interest in what Now! Music and Fashion sold.
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doesn't the bloke from metropolitan work there....................?
oh dear what's he going to do without the day job? ;)
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Yeah, I have fond memories of Clarendon, seeing Will Oldham and True Love Always play there, making good finds in the used bin, seeing shows in the park across the street. Shame they couldn't make the rent there...it really felt fun and integrated into a "scene" whearas the other two locations were just depressing.
I forgot to post it before but here's the farewell info and news about their GOOB sale.
Dear loyal customers and friends of Now,
>
>After over 4 years in business, the owners of Now! Music and Fashion
>have decided to close permanently, so we can move on and pursue
>other opportunities. We've had a blast talking to you about music,
>putting on instore performances, and participating in the local
>community. But the best thing about running a record store has been
>the opportunity to meet you. Many thanks to our loyal customers and
>friends we've made along the way.
>
>We will be having a going-out-of-business sale beginning this
>weekend. All clothing and music (except consignments and bargain bin
>stuff) will be on sale for 30% off the regular price! We still have
>a great collection of cool vintage clothes, including pieces we
>acquired on our latest buying trip to NYC, and lots of new and used
>cds and vinyl. There are some especially good finds in our used cd
>section, a steal at these prices. But hurry, because we will be
>accepting offers from other shops to buy our merchandise in bulk
>quantities, and the best items are sure to go fast. Everything must
>go, as they say, so don't wait until it's too late!
>
>Obviously, we are no longer purchasing used items from customers,
>but if you have an outstanding store credit or gift certificate,
>come and use it right away. If you have consignments in the store,
>we will be pulling your product off the floor immediately so we can
>return these to you when you stop by to get it soon.
>
>During our liquidation, we will have truncated store hours:
>
>Monday â?? Wednesday: CLOSED
>
>Thursday â?? Saturday: 12 â?? 8
>
>Sunday: 12 â?? 6
>
>We welcome any assistance you may offer to help us close down and
>liquidate efficiently. If you'd like to purchase racks and fixtures,
>or help with hauling junk in the final days, or even if you can
>offer free professional advice in liquidation or related legal
>matters, let us know.
>
>Once again, thanks for your patronage, and all the best.
>
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>The Now! Guys
>
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Originally posted by pollard:
Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:
Swearing at Motorists
would you recommend their recorded material, I have heard a lot about them, but never went as far as picking up an album [/b]
No.
I have one of their CDs that I bought several years ago from DCCD and never listen to it. They need work. Or if you want, we could work a trade for something you have and don't like that I may want.
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omygod, there's nothing left in metro DC to live for. No more DCCD, no more flying saucer, no more Now!. I just don't understand how we're supposed to survive without our record shopping fix, and NO, chain stores don't qualify.
Is it so much to ask that a city with over a million people should have a good independent record store? Hmmm... maybe it's time for me to quit my job and...
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Someone else brought up Melody in Dupont. That's an independent store that has a pretty good selection.
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Melody, which I've been frequenting more since DCCD closed, actually does have a respectable selection (recently I found Sufjan Stevens and the new Microphones live album there, and didn't expect to). However, it would be nice to have a store that has more of an indie attitude and focus, used CDs and vinyl.
Once I asked the fine folks at Soundgarden if they'd ever open in the DC area, and they said they'd looked into it and the rents for the size store they wanted were just too high, even in NOVA. Alas.
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So here's the question... where in metro DC, without owning a car (see previous threads) can one buy, say, the new Franz Ferdinand??? That's the question. Do y'all think Melody would have it?
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Originally posted by chimblysweep:
So here's the question... where in metro DC, without owning a car (see previous threads) can one buy, say, the new Franz Ferdinand??? That's the question. Do y'all think Melody would have it?
CD whorehouse in Georgetown probably has it. They are good with UK imports, but nits likely to be over $20. Cdwow.net has it for $16.
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Originally posted by mark e smith:
CD whorehouse in Georgetown probably has it. They are good with UK imports, but nits likely to be over $20. Cdwow.net has it for $16.
i believe it came out in the us today, no need to buy an import version
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Originally posted by mark e smith:
Originally posted by chimblysweep:
So here's the question... where in metro DC, without owning a car (see previous threads) can one buy, say, the new Franz Ferdinand??? That's the question. Do y'all think Melody would have it?
CD whorehouse in Georgetown probably has it. They are good with UK imports, but nits likely to be over $20. Cdwow.net has it for $16. [/b]
I think part of the point is that some of us don't want to have to order online or buy at a chain... we want to support our friendly local scenester store, you know?
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omygod, there's nothing left in metro DC to live for. No more DCCD, no more flying saucer, no more Now!. I just don't understand how we're supposed to survive without our record shopping fix, and NO, chain stores don't qualify.
Revolution Records -- steps from Van Ness metro - I don't know if they have Franz Ferdinand but they do have a decent selection of indie music and if people like us go there and tell them what we'd like them to stock they'll only get better....cheap to - most CDs are $12
http://www.revolutionrecords.net/ (http://www.revolutionrecords.net/)
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Originally posted by chimblysweep:
I think part of the point is that some of us don't want to have to order online or buy at a chain... we want to support our friendly local scenester store, you know?
well cd warehouse is a franchise but it is not like most other chains, the same 2 guys are always in there, I am pretty sure they own that location, and will try and get you what you are looking for and are fairly knowledgeable
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Olssons's said they would be carrying it. Although, they were not sure it would be in today's shipment.
I reserved a copy last week and they are calling me when it arrives.
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Originally posted by chimblysweep:
I think part of the point is that some of us don't want to have to order online or buy at a chain... we want to support our friendly local scenester store, you know? [/b]
Fuck 'em. They never have what I want and they are always more expensive than say Amazon or CDwow.
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Originally posted by mark e smith:
Fuck 'em. They never have what I want and they are always more expensive than say Amazon or CDwow.
<img src="http://www.algore04.com/gallery/mr_popularity/gore-amen.jpg" alt=" - " />
AMEN BRUDDAH!
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Just called Revolution and they should also be getting their 6-8 copies of Franz Ferdinand today
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Originally posted by brennser:
Just called Revolution
Dont you know talkin' about a revolution, sounds like a whisper?
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Could you be anymore gay, dude?
Originally posted by mark e smith:
Dont you know talkin' about a revolution, sounds like a whisper?
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Originally posted by allmy$to930:
Olssons's said they would be carrying it. Although, they were not sure it would be in today's shipment.
I reserved a copy last week and they are calling me when it arrives.
I find that Olsson's has a lot of indie/alternative stuff. The Metro Center location is closed, but the 19th Street Dupont location goes on... I haven't checked out Revolution, though certainly will go with Brennser's recommendation.
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Originally posted by thirsty moore:
Could you be anymore gay, dude?
Sure, bend over a bit further.
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Originally posted by poorlulu:
doesn't the bloke from metropolitan work there....................?
oh dear what's he going to do without the day job? :)
i'll miss now, especially its clarendon days ... lots of good instores and records, john turned me on to some great stuff ....
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Originally posted by meeper_99:
john turned me on to some great stuff ....
Originally posted by thirsty moore:
Could you be anymore gay, dude
:p
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
Once I asked the fine folks at Soundgarden if they'd ever open in the DC area, and they said they'd looked into it and the rents for the size store they wanted were just too high, even in NOVA. Alas.
Which backs up the theory that I've had all along and have stated here several times previously. The DC area record stores are closing for one reason and one reason only. The fucking rents are outrageous! And it's only going to get worse with real estate values being predicted to continue skyrocketing in the Baltimore/Washington area. It's very, very scary.
You can only mark up a CD so high or it won't sell. The consumer will walk out and either buy the very same product online or daytrip it to Baltimore.
You know, you guys can always move here. :D Nah, I thought not. ;)
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True to some degree, definitely. The rent/demographics/industry trends factors make it tough here.
But I heard that DCCD owned their building. While a warehouse-size Soundgarden type store probably couldn't make it in DC, a well run small indie shop like Spaceboy in Philly or Paul's in Pittsburgh (both around the size of DCCD, but are full of a strong sense of dedicated passion for music and an on-top-of-things stock), in the right location (maybe along U street somewhere?), I believe could make it.
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But here's a rub....do we really think DC real estate is more expensive than either San Francisco or Berkeley?
Those Amoeba stores (and there are other large indies, as well) are HUGE stores. And according to some music promoters I went out with there, the music scene in San Fran was not all that hot until the last coupla years (in other words, it's no New York, so I don't believe it's that the San Fran population is or was so much more musically savvy than here...). I think if a record store can be a destination point (big or small), it should make it.
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The hippy hidden deep down inside of me dreams of opening a co-op record store, where everyone would own a share, and we'd get discounts, and could work hours there to get even more discounts...
This is what living in Madison for four years can do to you.
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Originally posted by chimblysweep:
The hippy hidden deep down inside of me dreams of opening a co-op record store, where everyone would own a share, and we'd get discounts, and could work hours there to get even more discounts...
This is what living in Madison for four years can do to you.
I would so go for this setup. There was a co-op run store in Portland that make me sit and wonder if it was a do able option. I've post this hear before, but imagine having a place to hang on a crappy Saturday afternoon that just happened to sell records.
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Originally posted by chimblysweep:
The hippy hidden deep down inside of me dreams of opening a co-op record store, where everyone would own a share, and we'd get discounts, and could work hours there to get even more discounts...
This is what living in Madison for four years can do to you.
I hate hippies! (http://www.akkb82.ukgateway.net/spdl/sounds/epi401/401_hippies.wav)
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
True to some degree, definitely. The rent/demographics/industry trends factors make it tough here.
But I heard that DCCD owned their building. While a warehouse-size Soundgarden type store probably couldn't make it in DC, a well run small indie shop like Spaceboy in Philly or Paul's in Pittsburgh (both around the size of DCCD, but are full of a strong sense of dedicated passion for music and an on-top-of-things stock), in the right location (maybe along U street somewhere?), I believe could make it.
dccd didn't own their building..........
u street is expensive over $40 per square yard a month........
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Ack, that is expensive. What about a side street just off the path, like DC9, or a second-floor location, like that hip-hop record store on U? I'd be shocked to hear all those carryouts and such are paying rent like that.
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any of the newer things that are on u st are paying that much at least.........the other stuff are probably locked into leases or perhaps they own their spots.......i hope, for their sake at least.............
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But there's always the possibility of finding someone somewhere who's into the idea that will give you space for cheaper. I mean, look at the MacKenzie Center. They have tons of space for their deal and they hardly have any income...
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So, if hypothetically, someone were to start up a new indie record store, what would your ideal one be? What range of stock, what type of atmosphere, layout, etc.
Be realistic - obviously no Amoeba-like shops.
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
So, if hypothetically, someone were to start up a new indie record store, what would your ideal one be? What range of stock, what type of atmosphere, layout, etc.
Be realistic - obviously no Amoeba-like shops.
Recreate DCCD, carry less stock. A few more new releases. Dont bother with the vinyl. A good select second hand section. And dont have a miserable hipster behing the counter.
Actually, I think this means CD Warehouse in Georgetown is my ideal store.
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And dont have a miserable hipster behing the counter.
amen brutha....part of the reason I like....yes, you guessed it.....Revolution Records :D
the people who work there have been very nice to me - can you imagine someone at DCCD helping someone with a stroller carry it up steps - I don't think so.....
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
So, if hypothetically, someone were to start up a new indie record store, what would your ideal one be? What range of stock, what type of atmosphere, layout, etc.
I hate CD & Game Exchange's set up -- though it's awesome not to flip through CDs (a pet peeve, becuase of used CD shopping, is CDs without the artist or album title on the front...). However, having the display go to the floor makes for impolite kneeling and sitting on the floor....
Yeah, I guess like DCCD works for me. Most important thing about atmosphere is that the staff is friendly and helpful, not too hip to assist or make recommendations. That was DCCD's biggest problem in my opinion.
And I enjoy Olsson's staff recommendations with pretty detailed descriptions. I'll bet I buy one every other visit to Olsson's...
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Less stock than DCCD? I swear, there were the same 10 CDs in Miscellaneous K for years. DCCD felt really -static-.
I'd like to see more used CDs and vinyl, create the feeling that digging around could net you a gem. More mags and zines, more offbeat DVDs. Write recommendation cards on new stuff and create the feeling that dedicated music lovers are picking and pushing the stock and are putting passion into the store.
A cross between Other Music and Atomic Books in Baltimore, say.
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Franz Ferdinand is $11.99 at Olsson's. But it's selling out fast. I had to go to two stores to get it.
Jacqueline may be one of the greatest album-opening tracks of all time.
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great heads up, ggw, thanks...
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Okay...so before I walk over to the Dupont store, which stores did you visit?
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
Franz Ferdinand is $11.99 at Olsson's. But it's selling out fast. I had to go to two stores to get it.
Jacqueline may be one of the greatest album-opening tracks of all time.
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more offbeat DVDs. Write recommendation cards on new stuff
Ollsons does a little of this but the point remains that its just very hard to make money on this - even if you stock offbeat DVDs the kind of people who will want them are probably obsessive fans who had them on preorder at amazon.com weeks ago and then you're stuck with an offbeat DVD noone wants
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
So, if hypothetically, someone were to start up a new indie record store, what would your ideal one be?
I want one just like DCCD is now, non-existant, it is saving me loads of money, and I just order what I really want from the labels. Although if one opened again, I would probably be there fast.
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Originally posted by Random Citizen:
Okay...so before I walk over to the Dupont store, which stores did you visit?
Rosslyn and Courthouse (Arlington). It couldn't hurt to call. Rosslyn had sold out of their three copies. Courthouse had eight, but I think I got the last one.
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Called the Dupont store...they're out today, but will have copies tomorrow. I'm heading over as soon as they open.
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Originally posted by Random Citizen:
Called the Dupont store...they're out today, but will have copies tomorrow. I'm heading over as soon as they open.
good to know. . .i was gonna head over there during lunch.
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Originally posted by Random Citizen:
Called the Dupont store...they're out today, but will have copies tomorrow. I'm heading over as soon as they open.
'
Can't you reserve one with them? If you go as soon as they open it won't be out on the shelf, may not even be in the store if "Brown" hasn't delivered by then.
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I did actually, but I figured others would want to know more copies were on the way.
Originally posted by mankie:
Can't you reserve one with them? If you go as soon as they open it won't be out on the shelf, may not even be in the store if "Brown" hasn't delivered by then.
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I quite like CD Game Exchange.
There aren't really that many albums that come out that I like enough to pay full price for...maybe 10-15 per year...
But I like to discover new music and unearth underappreciated gems...and that's where the $1 racks at CD Game Exchange come in.
I just get something I've heard of and give it a try. If it's good, I've made a steal. If it's bad, I cell it at CDepot or Soundgarden or some out of town cd store for 3 or 4 bucks. Again, I've made a steal. If nobody wants the dam thing, I reckon CD Game Exchange would probably buy it back...they seem to be like Mikey, they'll take anything.
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I wish CD/Game wouldn't stick those awful difficult-to-remove stickers on the cases. And the locked glass cases are a bummer, too (of course you need to deter theft but it seems like overkill if you have a detector, and I bet they lose sales from people who don't bother browsing those racks).
Love the dollar racks though. I found In The Aeroplane Over The Sea at a Cd/Game Exhange dollar rack way back.
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Amen on the stickers. They're a bitch to get off.
Originally posted by bellenseb:
I wish CD/Game wouldn't stick those awful difficult-to-remove stickers on the cases. And the locked glass cases are a bummer, too (of course you need to deter theft but it seems like overkill if you have a detector, and I bet they lose sales from people who don't bother browsing those racks).
Love the dollar racks though. I found In The Aeroplane Over The Sea at a Cd/Game Exhange dollar rack way back.
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Originally posted by bellenseb:
Love the dollar racks though. I found In The Aeroplane Over The Sea at a Cd/Game Exhange dollar rack way back.
Hmmm, maybe I need to go in and just check out the dollar racks....I tend to be compulsive when I record shop and go through every single rack...hence the 3 hour Amoeba trips.
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I would prefer lots of choices of the Indie variety.
Also, if I'm making an afternoon/evening of it, I need a break. Create some listening stations in little café like areas so I can buy some over-priced coffee or something else to tide me over. Guess it wouldn't be a good idea to have food at the listening stations because of the food that some slobs would end up smearing all over everything. For that reason, stick an eatery over in some other nook. A tea salon would be nice.
Oh, and how can I forget!? Plenty of free parking!!!
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I just figure the only way a new indie shop could survive in DC is to be like anAtomic Books (http://www.atomicbooks.com) with an added emphasis on new and used music. DCCD proved you probably can't do well selling just new indie CDs (and $9 Collective Soul used Cds). The key is diversity of stock.
The kind of things Atomic stocks, along with an indie/underground music specialty shop, are underserved niches in DC.
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I think the thing with used CDs is that you have to have at least the shot at some really good bargains. So I end up buying a variety of priced CDs, but feel like I 'won' because I got a couple for $3, a couple for $4, and paid $8 or $9 for others. Hence the joy at the $1 CD & Game Exchange surprises. You never had that chance at DCCD....
Because it's an investment of time to go through racks and racks of used CDs, a couple well caught bargains will likely lead to a larger overall sale.
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I find that Olsson's has a lot of indie/alternative stuff.
And Olsson's, although it's a "chain" is a small local chain. They seem to have a good selection of new CDs and they're really good about ordering things, too. Plus, I'm a book person so I like browsing their books.
I was thinking this weekend that I need to check out Revolution.
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Originally posted by Juliaz3:
I find that Olsson's has a lot of indie/alternative stuff.
I was thinking this weekend that I need to check out Revolution. [/b]
Look at the F Ferdinand thread....
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ah the memories...