You wanted record store news? Here you go.
By way of my friend Jon... a message from Downtown Music Gallery...
"Last week, our ten year lease for our basement space on 13 Monroe St. in Chinatown, came to an end. We are now paying month-to-month, so are future is precarious although the landlord does like us. It is hard to believe that we’ve been here for nearly 10 years, especially when folks finally find their way here and say it is their first time at our “new” location. We moved here from the Bowery due to a large rent increase and during a recession. Since then, my former partner, Manny Maris, has retired, plus employees Chuck Bettis and Chris Pitsiokos also moved on. Last week, longtime DMG Manager, Dave Miller left for better opportunities, he will be missed. Our mail-order, which was pretty strong on the Bowery, has slowly decreased ever since being here, as compact discs sell less than ever. Our Used vinyl sales have increased since we’ve acquired a few collections and we sell more on Discogs, which does take time and effort but helps us to survive, barely. Thanks to the help of some of our friends, our presence on social media (twitter & Instagram) has increased our visibility. So, we do get some new customers from time to time. The problem is that we have built up a substantial debt, we are paying off slowly. We are currently in the hole for around 50 grand. Jeeez. The good news is that attendance at our weekly Free concert series has increased over time. Check us out on Instagram.
Hence we need your help. Around 6,300 folks subscribe to our weekly newsletter, which is great, I am glad to provide info & opinion on creative music from around the world. The problem is that only around a hundred or so actually purchase things from us, making it increasingly harder to survive. If nearly everyone who got the DMG newsletter would just donate $10-$20, we could pay off our debts and concentrate on the future. We still get a lot of good response from customers, subscribers and musicians who love the DMG newsletter so we must be doing something right. Our goal at this point is continue until for around 2 years until our 30th anniversary. So, please help us to continue serve all serious listeners. You can contribute via credit card, Paypal ([email protected]) or with checks.
You can use this link if you wish:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=ydamOAFr_O7IWQ3qn_0gDZRxk6v16FA4WZgxKxhmT8S2qDATAcryZ4En0_1IdLZUoIhBT0&country.x=US&locale.x=US
More about DMG on Flaming Pablum:
Downtown Music Gallery in the Line of Fire
Back to Downtown Music Gallery
With all due respect, no.
1. You want 50G to stay open for only two more years and then what? You're a sunk cost.
2. Only a few hundred people actually buy from your store cuz your location sucks.
3. For such a "downtown" and "underground music" record store where's the hardcore punk? Seriously, you've been around since I was a teenager and I haven't hit your place once cuz you're too good or stuck up to carry not only my scene's music but support an entire community's expression, so why should I support you now?
4. Close the store and do mailorder.
Posted by: HC | October 07, 2018 at 07:14 AM
$5 contributed.
Posted by: Jesus Christ Allin | October 07, 2018 at 03:00 PM
feel bad for him, a good guy. it's pretty much impossible to make money with a store that predominantly sells CDs, just aren't enough buyers. the average person streams music, and the people who are really into music buy vinyl.
might make sense to slash prices. all those experimental and jazz cds that have been sitting there for 10 years ain't gonna move at $18, but they might sell at $7-10, or two-for-one, or buy two cds get the third one free...or something. be creative. at least he'd get some cash flow.
good luck, DMG!
Posted by: JAM | October 15, 2018 at 04:33 PM