Coop's Music: South Side Success in Competitive Retail Music Environment
Stephanie Meyer
Issue date: 5/27/04 Section: Perspectives
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Anyone who has studied music retail knows that two factors - the dominance of mass merchants and downloading from the Internet - have changed the landscape of this industry. But did you know that right in the GSB's front yard is an example of an independent music store, which is beating the odds and succeeding in this competitive environment? It's Coop's Music, a family owned enterprise on the South Side of Chicago.
In 1986 Mr. Ezell Cooper purchased the business from Mr. T - yes, the Mr. T with the Mohawk. Mr. Cooper had been managing the music store for the previous owner and changed the name to Coop's Music, once he acquired the establishment. Coop's Music now consists of three locations, and it is rumored to be one of the top independent retailers in the Midwest.
For a confirmation of such assertions, Mr. Ezell Cooper graciously defers to his son, Mr. Pierre Cooper, who now heads the family business. The fact that P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Destiny's Child have all made appearances at Coop's, indicates that this retailer is an important stop for top artists, who want to reach audiences generating impressive sales. If anyone needs proof that the artists have been there, the back wall of one of Coop's stores boasts autographs from these artists and many more. Mr. Ezell Cooper credits this welcomed publicity to his son, who created Coop's Underground, the store focusing on music for younger generations and featuring a stage where top artists can perform.
Mr. Ezell Cooper refers to himself as a jazzologist. Coop's managers and sales associates pride themselves as each specializing in hip hop, R& B, alternative, jazz, or the blues. The spectrum of music is too wide to be an expert in all types, and customers come to Coop's, because they know this is where they can find current hits, local artists, and obscure favorites not available at mass merchants. If one associate does not know a song, he has a network of experts across three stores and will be able to provide an answer. Of course, Coop's also has a computerized catalog and places special orders upon request. Since customers need the exact title of a song to download music, they often end up coming to Coop's to purchase music, when it is obscure and not easily referenced.
Jay Haymon, 24, who manages Coop's Records on 1350 E. 47th Street, believes that his store's success depends on the trust he develops with his customer. His reputation rides on recommending music the customer will like and in turn reinforces a long-term relationship. A quick sale of a CD that a customer probably won't enjoy would damage the rapport with his clientele and make this relationship transactional as opposed to personal. Mr. Haymon believes this extra effort gives Coop's a competitive advantage.
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In 1986 Mr. Ezell Cooper purchased the business from Mr. T - yes, the Mr. T with the Mohawk. Mr. Cooper had been managing the music store for the previous owner and changed the name to Coop's Music, once he acquired the establishment. Coop's Music now consists of three locations, and it is rumored to be one of the top independent retailers in the Midwest.
For a confirmation of such assertions, Mr. Ezell Cooper graciously defers to his son, Mr. Pierre Cooper, who now heads the family business. The fact that P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Destiny's Child have all made appearances at Coop's, indicates that this retailer is an important stop for top artists, who want to reach audiences generating impressive sales. If anyone needs proof that the artists have been there, the back wall of one of Coop's stores boasts autographs from these artists and many more. Mr. Ezell Cooper credits this welcomed publicity to his son, who created Coop's Underground, the store focusing on music for younger generations and featuring a stage where top artists can perform.
Mr. Ezell Cooper refers to himself as a jazzologist. Coop's managers and sales associates pride themselves as each specializing in hip hop, R& B, alternative, jazz, or the blues. The spectrum of music is too wide to be an expert in all types, and customers come to Coop's, because they know this is where they can find current hits, local artists, and obscure favorites not available at mass merchants. If one associate does not know a song, he has a network of experts across three stores and will be able to provide an answer. Of course, Coop's also has a computerized catalog and places special orders upon request. Since customers need the exact title of a song to download music, they often end up coming to Coop's to purchase music, when it is obscure and not easily referenced.
Jay Haymon, 24, who manages Coop's Records on 1350 E. 47th Street, believes that his store's success depends on the trust he develops with his customer. His reputation rides on recommending music the customer will like and in turn reinforces a long-term relationship. A quick sale of a CD that a customer probably won't enjoy would damage the rapport with his clientele and make this relationship transactional as opposed to personal. Mr. Haymon believes this extra effort gives Coop's a competitive advantage.