According to, Record Store Day, local record stores are rare but are also making a comeback after “Record Store Day was created in 2007.” According to Sanfiorenzo, “Now Record Store Day saw a 193% jump in physical album sales.” The appreciation for record stores is coming back and even attracting the younger generations. Owning a local record store can be a tough business but it is worth it.
I interviewed Groamy who has owned Groamy’s Cd’s and Tape’s for thirty-three years. Groamy's Cd's and Tapes is located in Lima, OH. I have been to Groamy’s record store a couple of times and it exceeds all the record stores I have been to. It is still my favorite record store. It isn’t only because Groamy has a great collection but also the customer service he gives. It’s always reassuring when the owner of a record store knows exactly what they are talking about. He not only helps you find things around the stores but also gives recommendations because he already knows what kind of music you like based on your purchases. “It’s important to build rapport with your customers,” Groamy said, while we were talking about customer services in record stores.
Owning a record store has its troubles and its perks. The only downfalls Groamy mentioned about owning a record store is how time-consuming it can be, because you are always there. You are also a 100% responsible for everything which can be a challenge. The good out ways the bad. The best things about owning a record store are “you are your own boss” but most importantly “customers are great and customers turn into friends” Groamy said. Customer service is often the reason why people go into local stores like these, especially when everything is going to digital.
Which brings me to my next topic. A question I had for Groamy was why it was so important to keep buying the hard copies of music such as vinyl’s, cd’s and records when you can get it off the internet. One of the reasons he mentioned was of course to support local record stores. Another is the customer service, talking to somebody and connecting with them. “You can’t get that off the internet,” he said. There is a deeper reason to it though as well. “It’s the romanticism of owning a cd/vinyl and you are a part of the music when you open your cd, vinyl or record,” Groamy said. He also mentioned, “it’s a form of art that the artist is portraying.” Artists put a lot of work into an album. Not only do they create their music but they create their album. They spend time picking the album cover and what goes in the album, which is why it is important to honor that.
Groamy has built such an iconic record store that goes further than selling music. Groamy hosts local band shows and talk shows. He mainly does this because he loves promoting bands and helping them get out there. Bands will come in from all around Ohio and even occasionally outside of Ohio to play in his record store. Every genre you could think of plays at Groamy’s. He also hosts talk shows called “The Groamy Show,” which he will feature various guests in this talk show. Another big event at Groamy’s is National Record Store Day.
Record Store Day is usually on the third Saturday of April. This year Groamy mentioned it will be on April 21. It is a day to celebrate your local record store and get exclusive new releases. At Groamy’s, Record Store Day is more than the new releases; it is a party celebrating record stores. Groamy will have local bands playing and other local businesses will have tents put up to promote their stores as well. It brings in a lot of people who are all there for one reason; they love music. That is what record stores are all about. So, on Record Store Day I suggest you go to your local record store! I also suggest that you make the trip to Groamy’s cd’s and tapes. It is an amazing record store and I highly recommend the experience.
