Opening a record store? Are you insane?
Generally that’s one of those questions that people think in their heads, but don’t actually say to us. It’s OK, we understand if they are thinking that way. It’s not an entirely illogical thought process. That’s sorta what we thought when our friend KJ rebuilt Looney Tunes after they burned to the ground. That was less than a year ago.
We thought about it plenty when debating about whether to reopen Hoodlums or not - I assure you. It’s a tough business in a tough economy. However, when it comes down to it, this is what we do. After twenty years each in the biz, it’s who we are. Our passion is entertainment. Our experience is entertainment. We are small businessmen, and we like being small businessmen, so it’s worth the risk.
What it really comes down to is confidence. We love the new location, and we think we can do it. And we think we can do it well enough to connect with our community and survive.
When we opened in 1998, I remember eating dinner with our then-Sony rep, a friend of ours. He said, “How are you going to survive during the slow summers at ASU?” We weren’t sure exactly how we were going to do it, but we were confident we could pull it off. Ultimately, we did (note: Kristian deserves truckloads of credit for navigating us through all those slow summers).
The same goes for our new endeavor. We’re not sure exactly how we are going to do it - but we think we can do it.
Thanks for your support,
Steve
July 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
What is it with record stores burning to the ground?
The site looks great, by the way. I’m looking forward to reading more of Hoodlums music picks. It’s been pretty slow on the new music front for me for a while.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I am so excited that the Hoodlums are making a comeback. My college age kids and I have been starved for access to good music from passionate music aficionados since October 30 last year. It was the one constant welcome diversion in my work day to head over to the MU basement and shop from my kids’ latest CD and DVD wish lists. The new location is on my daily drive home from campus and I can’t wait to stop in and get reacquainted. This is one loyal family of customers that can’t wait to get back in touch with the hoodlums at Hoodlums!
August 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Thanks Michele,
We look forward to seeing you in September.
Steve and Kristian
August 16th, 2008 at 1:53 am
I believe you guys can do it too. Good luck! MORE RECORD STORES!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Great looking store! Good to see you guys are back. Real record stores are what the world needs more of, and I’m glad to see you’ve picked up your fully refurbished banner and are flying it again.
Can’t wait to stop by the next time I am in Phoenix!