Thank you! Record Store Day was a hit at ATMV!
After so much time spent preparing for a Grand Opening, I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about our projected turnout for Record Store Day. I knew it would be a good day, but it met and exceeded my highest expectations and hopes. For this, let me say a hearty “thank you!” to my many wonderful customers, friends and supporters who not only were present, but who were so enthusiastic about the new store and products we had on hand for the celebration.
Let me put it this way. You know you’re having a good day when you advertise opening early (9 a.m.) and there are already a couple of dozen customers lined up outside the door before you even put the key in the lock. Some of them had been there since 6 a.m.! After that, there was a steady stream of up to 30 shoppers for the rest of the day, something that you just don’t see in today’s economy. Another clue that the Grand Opening was a hit was our offering of limited collector’s items sold out by about 9:05. Then there were the many personal comments my staffers and I received about the “good vibe” the store had. Some just said “Wow!,” and wow definitely worked for my team that had been working non-stop for more than a month to put the wow factor in the feel and décor.
Even more gratifying was the excitement and surprise created by the hourly giveaways of great vinyl boxed sets. Seeing the joy on the face of an unsuspecting customer when they’ve just won was heartwarming for a seasoned collector and music lover like myself. Hardly anybody thinks they’re actually going to win anything, especially something rare and wonderful. But I actually got to see this phenomenon repeat itself 11 times during the day. Sincerely, what a trip.
Due to timing, We didn’t have as much stock on hand as I wanted for this special event. There are approximately 5,000 vinyl records to process before they’re ready for sale. I have to be sure they’re honestly evaluated and priced, and I just haven’t had the time. But that didn’t seem to bother anyone but me. Many people had come just to see what the new ATMV “Collector’s Marketplace” was all about. And finally, after what seems like forever in preparing the store, I got a chance to just meet and mingle with old and new friends, shoot the breeze about music and collectibles and generally just have fun being a part of the action on the floor. In fact, I’m already planning on making the next Record Store Day an event for the record books. Do I sound a little euphoric? I’m so anxious to start finishing up the many unfinished parts of this new store, I can hardly wait. In the months to come, you will begin to see more new fixtures, bins and above all, lots more music to fill them. Of particular interest to me and a growing number of you is our LP and 45 Vinyl departments.
We seem to be getting busier just in the few short weeks we’ve been open. That is already creating jobs for a few more qualified collectibles experts. They all love to talk about music, so come in and enjoy your visit even more by learning something, teaching us something and maybe making a new friend. I want to make ATMV the store all music lovers can come to embrace, a store you can be proud to show off to your out-of-town guests. For this to happen, we need you. In a rapidly evolving technological world, will El Paso continue to support a local independent music store? I think the answer is yes. I’ve been betting on that for over 30 years and El Paso music lovers having been proving it to be true. This is great town for music fans, and we’ll continue to give you reason to come in, even if it’s only an occasional visit or a stop for a special gift. My sincerest THANK YOU to all of you who have participated and made this new beginning possible. I want you to consider the possibility for this dream store to be your success too!
