In this world of downloads and digitized living, the vinyl record and the independent stores that sell them are something very yesterday (or even the day before). Today’s kids know them as “those black spinny things,” but for my generation and the few that came before me, these groovy slabs and the dens that housed them were the heartbeat of our generation.
Former Naperville Central High School student Erin Gavin and her recently retired father, Joel Sicker, decided to devote themselves to living in the past and making yesterday once more with their investment of Purple Dog Records. Residing at 329 Center Street in Naperville, a location that’s just about on the 5th Avenue train tracks, Purple Dog is a slice of nostalgia for the more “mature” fan, and a hip time machine for the young explorer. Along with thousands of vinyl records, Gavin and Sicker also have the “flavors of the day” with CD’s, DVD’s, and t-shirts.
This is a store that makes me proud to live in Naperville. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of buying records from shops similar to Purple Dog.
As the “big box” stores are crushing independent record stores like Tokyo beneath Godzilla’s heel, Naperville has a store that’s shaking its fist and refusing to run.
Gavin and Sicker are starting an independent vinyl record shop when all the others in existence are dropping like flies.
I’m sure investment advisors everywhere are scratching their heads, but for me it’s simple. It’s about making dreams come true, and I support that with all my heart.
