Spring Break
Hoodlums closes in response to fire, students' changing tastes
Nate LipkaIssue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
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Hoodlums, the popular independent music shop that served ASU students for more than 10 years, is closed for good.
A November 1 fire closed down the entire Memorial Union for more than two months, with most of the food-service stations and offices in the basement and first floor re-opening prior to the start of the spring semester. Hoodlums wasn't one of them.
Store co-owner Steve Wiley says that the extensive smoke damage, combined with the lingering memory of a major flood in 2006, led to the decision that the same ASU location wasn't a viable option.
"We are more than a little gun-shy doing a complete rebuild in that particular location," Wiley says in an e-mail to Hoodlums supporters.
Wiley also says that plummeting CD sales in general also played a big role in the decision.
"When you throw in the continuing failure of our industry to monetize the preferred methods of music acquisition amongst college kids, or significantly lower the price of CDs to react to dwindling demand … reopening a store from scratch to sell CDs mainly to the young is a little scary as well."
Ashley Harris, Sony BMG marketing representative and DJ on ASU's college radio station, The Blaze 1260 AM, says that she understands the decision to shut down, but is very disappointed.
"I think it's kind of a reflection of the music industry in general," Harris says. "They were facing a crossroads."
Harris says that the after-effects of the fire, especially the closing of Hoodlums, has had a great effect on the student population, and will continue to do so.
"In general, after the fire, the morale on campus was really low," Harris says. "I think it's really going to hit the students now that it's gone."
In perhaps the ultimate sign of distress, a Facebook group entitled "R.I.P. ASU Hoodlums" has been formed, and currently features 31 members.
Harris says that long-time Hoodlums supporters might have to turn to more corporate outlets to buy CDs, which she says won't be a pleasant experience.
"They were all fans," Harris says. "As opposed to Best Buy, where you just have to know what the newest releases are and what will sell the best."
"I think the biggest part was that it was much more personal than any other record store. I could walk in, and just be in the mood for something, and the employees could give you three bands that fit perfectly."
Along with CDs, Hoodlums also sold vinyl, clothing, posters and tickets to local shows.
It was also a popular hang-out spot for students, featuring free listening stations.
Wiley says that ownership is exploring other off-campus options, including possible nearby locations and online ventures, but no solid plans are in place.
For Harris and other former Hoodlums supporters, ASU's music scene may never be the same.
"As far as music fans at ASU," Harris says, "That was kind of our Mecca."
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