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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Anyone who runs a business knows that you have to have a niche, a specialty, something that separates you from all the rest. If you’re in the record business, you know that there is a crowd often looking for titles that are hard to find.
Starbound Records in West Valley was created for that specialty shopping crowd. Not only does it sell the latest CDs and tapes, but the store carries thousands of rare albums, cassettes and eight-tracks, some even still in their original wrapping.
Matt Limburg, a former local radio disc jockey, opened the store in 1982. He founded it on the premise that “everyone has a unique song that has special meaning to them.” He says it might be a song a couple enjoyed more than 50 years ago or a song someone has heard as a child that is tender to their heart. In either case, he wants that person to be able to find that song at Starbound.
When Matt opened the store, he planned to stock all the different formats that have ever been made, including 78 RPM records, 10 and 12-inch vinyl albums, 45 RPM singles and eight-tracks. Now, 20 years later, Starbound offers more than 500,000 items, some of which date back to the 1920s. The store discounts many items and matches all print advertisements from competitors.
The store, which covers about 10,000 square feet, has a big selection of used albums. One is the Beatles’ very rare Butcher Cover album, which contains the original sales sticker. Starbound features other rarities, including recordings from Elvis Presley, the Four Seasons, Jack Scott, Johnny Cash and Regis Philbin.
Cindy Petrovich has managed the store since it first opened. Over the years, she has witnessed many trends in the music industry. Since the events of September 11, Cindy says the store has sold many patriotic selections.
Well, no matter what the music fan’s interest, Starbound will most likely have it. If not, the store will order it in, and items can even be shipped to buyers just about anywhere.
Yes, it’s the specialty shopping niche of great service and an incomparable selection of rare and new music that has made Starbound Records a success.
For Zions Bank, I’m Fred Ball. I’m speaking on business.
