But it makes me wonder… this was inevitable right? I mean, $25 for a CD is hardly something most people would pay when they can get it for $15 cheaper at Target. Well, I went today to check out the closing sale (30-50% off!!!!), and was hugely disappointed. All of the imports were still over $20!!! WTF? Maybe they will get cheaper when it gets closer to the actual closing.
The experience did inspire me to write Tower a little letter, though, and I shall post that here (and on my LJ):
Dear Tower Records,
I went to your Atlanta store today to check out some of the hot deals you claimed to be offering, since all of your stores everywhere are closing due to the subsequent end of your business. But, much to my chagrin, all I managed to see (minus a few choice used CDs I was able to locate and purchase, thankfully) was the stuff that you sell at jacked up prices offered at a mere 30-40% off; which, in many cases, doesn’t decrease the price to within an acceptable proximity to prices on the same things online or even at our friendly neighborhood Target store. I was confused, because I mistakenly came into your store seeking deals on items that were most often labeled with higher prices than any other establishment. While I understand that you want to get the most you can on this closing, I challenge you to look at this situation as a learning opportunity; it is my bet that, at least in some partial capacity, the reason you have gone out of business is because said prices were way to high to attract and maintain a loyal customer base. For instance, when I want to purchase an album by an artist that is from the UK, an import CD, if you will, while I know it is available in your fine store, I, being the able-minded boy that I am, also know that I can purchase the exact same thing from a fine online retailer such as amazon.co.uk, or even the collector’s paradise known as ebay. Again, I understand your need for profit, but when I can have the same CD you are selling for $25 delivered in pristine condition to my home in just 5 short days for only $6, well, then, my decision has been made for me, and I must admit that I have then become part of the momentum that has caused your business’s demise. While I do hate to see your fine retail establishment concede defeat, I will not miss the prices which caused me to seek out other means of fulfilling my UK pop/import CD needs. I do want to wish you good luck in all future endeavours, but urge you to please use this information in an attempt to potentially save yourself future financial downfalls.
Yours Truly,
Duane
Now mark down those imports before I come back, please!!!!
Should have just gone to Criminal.
Dear Company that is closing because they can’t make any money,
Please mark down your prices more so I can save more money during your demise.
Thanks,
duane
They are not really going out of business. They were bought out by another company, a competitor, and are being closed to lessen their competition. I am not a music lover, as duane can atest, but i always loved Tower. You could always find something there you could not find anywhere else. Also, what other music store is open til midnight. Tower closing is sad. It is the last of the old great music stores.
When did you find an Import CD at Target?!
I am sad it’s closing. What’s taking its place? I haven’t been into a CD store in years (there’s almost nothing I can’t find used on Amazon or eBay for a fraction of the cost) but I miss those Tower, HMV and Virgin Megastore days back in the 90s. Seems like a lifetime ago.
I always loved Tower and visited them all over the country. I agree with you that some of their pricing structures aren’t/weren’t competetive, but consumers don’t always know the reasons for everything.
I still find it hard to believe that you can get the exact same item (as in new/unopened) for $6 (delivered) for what they are selling for $25.
Part of the demise is due to changing markets. Tower (Virgin, Sam Goody, HMV) was king when the Internet was new (and very few online stores existed), Wal-Mart (as well as Target) didn’t carry full lines of discount music, and the like. It’s just marketplace evolution.
For fifteen years, I personally owned a chain of video stores in Central CA. Time changed with that industry (just like it has with music) and I made the decision to sell and move into another field.
Last but not least… I give props to Tower for not marking down anything to give it away. Why should they? They should be given the opportunity to make as much as they can on their ending inventory. In the very end, they’ll most likely get more revenue from selling the leftovers to a mass-market broker than giving it away to the public (who apparently could get it online cheaper in the first place).
I love ya Duane, you can just tell you’ve never owned/operated a business ;).
Buying CDs in a store is soooo 2002.
William, I wasn’t saying that I could find EVERY one of those CDs at target; the imports I got online =o)
OMG did you hear? Tower Records is selling its stores so it can buy Amazon.com!
Tower can suck it! (after I get some random goodies at their store).
I’ll miss tower, it was a great chain for finding rare tittles and being able to listen to music that was not mainstream and available at target or all those other lame stores that have the casual music fan in mind. They also had people working there that were music lovers and were knowledgable not just teenagers filling a summer job. I also doubt the ability to purchase for $6 online what they were selling for $25? If you want the latest Brittey Spears, Maroon 5 or other top 40 artists I agree your best bet was not Tower, but why should all stores cater to those tastes. Tower’s customers were not your average music fan they were people who appreciated choice and loved music because it appealled to their own tastes not to just what the corporations want to sell you.
Towers business practices and buying patterns hurt them it was not solely their prices.
Price is not always the deciding factor and with Tower gone who will continue to fight!
It’s a sad day for people you know and love music.
Peace.