So we just returned from another NARM convention in Chicago! What a great time! It always puzzles me when people ask me why we attend NARM every year?

Well even though Record Archive will be celebrating 35 years in music retail this September, and even though we buy directly from all the majors, and even though we are more than "seasoned veterans" of this business, it all boils down to relationships. With the constant revolving door with our vendor partners, it is imperative that we meet with the decision makers face to face at least once a year. Travel budgets are vitually non existent and we don't need weekly visits from our reps, but there is nothing that replaces the experience and value of having real meetings. Not scheduled meetings where we are simply being ' checked off some list'  but honest, direct and sometimes even contentious conversations are crucial.

Having the sidebar conversations about everything from policies to pricing can never be scheduled. It must happen organically. Having a drink in your hand doesn't hurt either! 

We attend on our own dime, take time off from our store and away from our families. No matter how many years we have attended NARM, invariably my staff or friends still think we are on vacation! HA! Nothing could be further from the truth!!

Believe me having Chrissie Hynde play to 50 people in a hotel room was mind blowing. Seeing the amazing talent of Leiber & Stoller, Melissa Etheridge, Colbie Caillat, Taylor Swift and Cyndi Lauper in the same room was very cool. But all it does is reaffirm why we do what we do. Why we get up every day and open our stores and realize how blessed we are that we are not selling widgets but art.

Thank you to Jim Donio and his amazing staff and NARM who work so hard all year long to present this convention. Thank you! to all our trading partners who still recognize the value of the independent retailer. Thanks to Michael ( CIMS), Eric (AIMS),Michael ( MMN) , Carrie ( Record Store Day)  for getting all the great indies in the room together. It is always like herding cats with a variety of opinions but isn't that why we are independent? 

Thanks for the memories and I look forward to next year....now back to work!