There is some very sad news about this popular record store chain in Wisconsin.

Being A Music Fan Is An Amazing Hobby

I'm sure it's not too surprising since I work at a radio station, but I'm a huge fan of music. In fact, music is my "thing." I collect vinyl, CDs, DVDs, shirts, posters, and other memorabilia from all my favorite bands.

Vinyl analog player with a rotating LP
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Searching Record Stores For Hidden Treasures

I really enjoy checking independent record stores because you can usually find some hidden treasures. We're very lucky in Rockford because we've got some great local places. I'm all about going on music adventures and visiting places in other cities too.

Music Sales Plummeting
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Wisconsin Is Home To Popular Record Store Chain

One of my regular stops is the Exclusive Company in Janesville. It's actually a chain of stores with other Wisconsin locations in West Bend, Appleton, Green Bay, Greenfield, Oshkosh, and Milwaukee. They are the oldest group of independent record stores in the United States.

Sad News For Wisconsin's Oldest Record Store Chain

It's very sad for music fans in Wisconsin.

According to exclusivecompany.com,

"After 66 years of bringing music and memories to generations throughout Wisconsin, it is with a heavy heart we announce The Exclusive Company will be closing all of our stores in the coming months."

 

"This sad development has come about due to the sudden passing of our founder and owner, James “Mr. G” Giombetti."

 

"In celebration and appreciation of our long-time loyal customers who have so faithfully supported us for the past 66 years, we will be passing on never before seen savings on all of your favorite music, equipment, and accessories."

Do yourself a favor and visit one of the Exclusive Company locations before they are gone forever. For more info, HERE.

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Do you remember the top album from the year you graduated high school? Stacker analyzed Billboard data to determine just that, looking at the best-selling album from every year going all the way back to 1956. Sales data is included only from 1992 onward when Nielsen's SoundScan began gathering computerized figures.

Going in chronological order from 1956 to 2020, we present the best-selling album from the year you graduated high school.

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