The brick and mortar record store has been steadily going the way of the dinosaur and it’s a damn cryin’ shame.  It seems like the instant-access digital media format and distribution is to blame, along with our transient, immediate-gratification, consumer-centered society where ‘quick’ and ‘disposable’ are core philosophies.  Our culture of physical acquisition is on the wane, with diminishing public interest in collecting not only records (vinyl, CDs, and yes, cassettes too), but DVDs, books, and magazines as well. 

Many retail outlets, especially the small, independent stores, have struggled and had to adapt – fast – to this change from purchasing and owning a product to temporarily listening to or viewing it on devices.  In the case of record stores, most of them don’t exist anymore because of this seismic shift in the mindset of the modern population.  Some record (and other) stores have survived by diversifying their offerings and/or carrying one-of-a-kind products to draw in more clients.

The 1-stop rock shop MeowMeowz, located in Pasadena, California, is one of the last music store bastions standing in the U.S.  It sells an eclectic variety of rad vintage clothing (including tons of rare band T-shirts), footwear, and accessories to posters, stickers, jewelry, CDs, vinyl and the like.  MeowMeowz rocks with a choice selection of New Wave 80s, punk, goth, rock, retro, nifty, and thrifty creations that shout indie and individuality loud and proud.  If you live in the area or are just passing through, be sure to check out MeowMeowz at 2423 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 (Call ‘em at #626-798-6969).  Support your local indie stores, music-related or not, wherever you’re based.

Take a look (and listen) at what super-cool stuff MeowMeowz has in store for you: