Valley record stores find way to hang on

PHOENIX — Technology has changed the way consumers access and purchase music.

In the digital age, traditional record stores have become nearly obsolete.

There’s no question that digital downloads make for stiff competition. However, some brick-and-mortar independent music stores are succeeding when some industry experts doubted they would.

These businesses manage to stay relevant because there’s a human connection.

“It’s customer service, it’s focusing on your customers,” said Kimber Lanning, owner of Stinkweeds Music Store, adding that there is always someone to assist customers with any request.

“[People] love to actually collect the records, they love the bands, they want to read the lyrics, they want to have it in their collection,” Lanning said.