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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-state area. In addition to this update from Dubuque, we will share more developments in Tuesday’s edition.
An area nostalgist hopes to strike a chord with music fans with the opening of a new downtown record store.
Ruix Records recently opened its doors at 1385 Jackson St. The downtown shop offers a variety of vinyl records from myriad musical genres and eras, as well as a selection of music-related retail items.
“One of the fun things about selling records in person as opposed to online or something is that you actually get to have that human moment and talk about the music,” said owner Bob Bucko. “It makes you happy knowing someone is walking out with something they’re going to enjoy.”
Bucko has worked in record stores “on and off” for more than 20 years, and he said Ruix Records was a natural continuation of his lifelong interest in music.
The store offers music from a variety of eras and genres that span from classic rock or jazz to hip hop and soul, and there also is a prominent section at the front of the shop dedicated to music from local and regional artists.
Ruix Records also has its own record player, Bucko added, so customers can try out a record prior to purchase.
“Record stores used to be where you went to learn about music,” he said. “That’s not as necessary now with the internet, but stores (like this) can still function as a kind of community hub where you can meet people and talk about music.”
Despite technological advancements that have opened up more listening avenues, Bucko opined that vinyl records have maintained their popularity through a mix of nostalgia and customers’ desire for a more tactile, immersive listening experience.
Some customers purchase records for display as collector’s items, he said, while others simply prefer the sound that comes from a vinyl record.
“People like the tactile nature of (records),” he said. “It’s something that you can hold and look at … and it’s something that you own. The problem with streaming is that things can disappear, and the music can be taken away.”
Ruix Records is open from 2 to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The store will be closed on Christmas but will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 26.