Record Exchange, take 2

More developments in the ongoing saga of independent record stores in Raleigh. Word now is that Schoolkids Records may be opening a second Raleigh site in the Mission Valley spot formerly occupied by Record Exchange. As for Plan 9, the store formerly rumored to be filling the void...we have no idea. But we promise not to confuse you, or ourselves, further until we find out which retailer is going in to the spot and when doors will open. But with classes at nearby N.C. State gearing up soon, it would behoove the suits to get going here!

Plan 9 to set up camp in Raleigh

A few weeks ago we brought you the unfortunate news that both Raleigh locations of the Record Exchange were packing up shop. But a new day is on the horizon, at least for the Mission Valley location.

Word is that Plan 9 Music will take over TREX's space next to Cup a Joe.

This would be Plan 9's first N.C. store. The chain, based in Richmond, Va., currently has five locations around Virginia.

As soon as we hear anything definite we'll let you know!

Record Exchange closes its doors

Sad news, Raleigh music lovers. The Record Exchange's Hillsborough Street location has gone out of business, and the Mission Valley store isn't far behind.

TREX President Don Rosenberg cited declining sales due to competition from stores like Wal-Mart and Best Buy as well as the popularity of online downloads.

Rosenberg said he tried to diversify the stores by selling DVDs and video games, but it wasn't enough.

Even though TREX is calling it quits, Rosenberg said there's still hope for independent retailers.

"There is potential out there for stores to do well even in an iPod world," he said. "There is a future in this. It just may not be me that does it."

TREX's Mission Valley location is in the middle of a clearance sale and will only be open for about another week.

UPDATE: Sources tell Triangle Music that the Mission Valley location will reopen with a new distributor, and this whole thing is actually for the best. But still, go check out the sale while it's still going on — 20% off CDs, DVDs, etc and 50% off vinyl and bargain bin merchandise.

[photos by Kevin Norris]