When we checked into our hotel in San Francisco, a look out the room’s window revealed we were across the street from a San Francisco icon: the old Tower Records store at the corner of Bay & Jones.

One of the original record store chains, Tower Records was killed by the advent of digital and internet music, and the rise of the super-stores selling music. Founded in the 60’s, the chain quickly became the standard for record stores. I clearly remember coming into The City and making Tower Records a mandatory stop. A slow decline in sales, as well as some really bad management decisions, led into bankruptcies and all the US stores closing in 2006. A few overseas stores and a website survived, under different ownership.

This San Francisco store stands, empty racks still in place, as a reminder of time marching on and those who suffer the consequences of not adapting to changing times.

September 19, 2009