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April 13, 2004

Bear Away

Posted by nerdling | April 13, 2004 11:07 AM

For his part, Klempner [owner of Aron's Records] laughs at the assertion that file-sharers don't hurt music sales.

"I've seen no evidence in our store to support that," he said. "I've had people walking in here saying 'I used to spend $300 a year on music and now I don't need to.'"

I have two things to say in response to Mr. Klempner's comments:

01. Why are people walking into your record store to tell you that they don't buy records anymore? That seems slightly illogical.

02. I know for a fact that Aron's has not been doing well for a number of years. The selection is mediocre and the prices are much too high (though they do have a nice selection of music 'zines); the only thing they have going for them is the bi-annual parking lot sale, and even that is only marginal.

I would venture a guess that what is hurting Aron's sales more than file sharing is the Amoeba Music that opened up a few blocks away—with six times the floorspace and selection of Aron's and better prices. Despite my fascination with music and my preference for independent music stores, I would rarely go out of my way to shop at Aron's. I consistently go out of my way to shop at Amoeba because I know I stand a much better chance of finding what I want and paying less for it.

Perhaps, Mr. Klempner, you should take into account that people can shop for the same records elsewhere and pay $200 instead of $300. That might account for the random shoppers who come into your store to discuss why they don't buy from you anymore.