Easy Street Indeed

Supporting Evidence

With two shops in town, the Seattle-based Easy Street Records keeps plugging along in direct contrast to plummeting sales in a dying industry.

Considering society's acceptance of downloading (of the legal and non-legal variety) record stores have been taking a beating. Best Buy conglomerates aside, the real hurt can be felt by the tiny local record shops that were competing against the large chains to begin with.

Some way, somehow, Easy Street has managed to not only keep their heads above water, but have managed to maintain a loyal fanbase and thrive at the same time.

And not only from consumers. Bands continue to patronize Seattle's most popular independent record store regularly. For free. The laundry list of performers is so extensive and surprising that its mind-boggling to sort through.

Easy Street is easy to get lost in. In a good way. Especially the Queen Anne location that features a large "New" section and long weaving corn maze-style aisles with broken down sections as intricate as Smooth Jazz to the Used bin. There is also a small gift shop and a large assortment of books. All in the heart of Queen Anne.

The West Seattle shop is a little different. A small music collection, which is almost better, as its focus on music makes it easy to browse. The upstairs is relegated to used music and t-shirts. Also attached to the shop is a small cafe which serves breakfast delecacies and piping hot java.

Ah yes. The prices. Considering the climate of the economy and the doom forsaken future of the industry, both stores boast competitive pricing and CD Club cards which after 15 CD purchases, yield a free CD up to $16.99. Not sure why though, as most of the albums are competively priced at $12.99 or less. Yeah.

Photo Evidence

 

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