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We were really bummed to hear last month that -- after 40 years -- Aron's Records on Highland is closing. One of the great independent retailers of new and used music in LA is shutting its doors after they sell everything left in stock.
Now LAist receives this e-mail release from the owners of Silverlake record store UponShop:
That's right, UponShop is closing its doors and saying good night. We can't believe it ourselves…but all things must pass…we leave wishing everyone the best, to stay strong, positive and feel empowered that anyone can do anything…So back to the shop closing…yes, UponShop is closing its doors…records are everywhere so don't ever give up looking…I know I won't…hopefully, the web site will stay up…there is always myspace to keep in
touch…it's not over it's just a change…like I said, we are all staying positive and keeping it real…do not go quietly into that good night…horseshit…peace and happy holidays…peace and prosperity in 2006…Stop the War in Iraq…
Earlier this week, we talked to Azul, one of the 6-year-old shop's owners. He said plainly and simply that UponShop was closing down because 2005 was a crappy sales year for the store (which specialized in rare jazz, hip hop and soul records). Even business during Sunset Junction was slower than usual.
He blames the demise of shops like his on the surge of MP3s, downloadable music, music mixing programs like Scratch and that little shop down the street known as Amoeba.
To mark the occasion of its demise, UponShop is also selling everything until its gone. But call before you go. Azul and company might already be gone...
UponShop
3910 Sunset Blvd.
Silverlake, CA
323.667.2011
And lest we forget, this is a good time for LAist to remind you to support your local retailers this holiday shopping season. 'Cause if you don't, then all we'll have left will be Wal-Marts and overstock.com.
Flickr photo from jahbuzzz
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Not to be a voice of dissent, as I am absolutely pro-indie record stores, but at least part of the reason Aron's is closing is that it is not a great place to shop. The best thing about the place is their selection of zines, and—if you are the patient type—the twice-yearly parking lot sale.
Other than that, the selection wasn't any better than the mediocrity that is Penny Lane. I hate to be voting for the behemoth on this one, but Amoeba is taking all the business because it's a better record store—though I will maintain (sorry LA!) that Amoeba doesn't have anything on Aquarius in San Francisco.