06/18/07

"It Ain't What It Used To Be"

by recordhunter

I recently overheard a stranger at another record spot say this about The Great Escape- "It Ain't What It Used To Be, If It Ever Was." Only half of that statement is true. The Great Escape definitely WAS the best shop in Nashville, and maybe the best place in the whole South to buy records. I always looked forward to stopping by there when in Nashville to look for records in the past. Unfortunately I must now agree with this stranger's comment of "It Ain't What It Used To Be."

My last visit to this store was very disappointing, not only because there were hardly any interesting records to be found but just because the whole "atmosphere" of the store seems blah. I used to walk in there and just be hyped to see so much great vinyl. The customers used to just gleam with excitement when going through their record racks and the employees used to be excited about the records. Nowdays, it feels like a ghost town in this store and the quality & selection of records is at an all time low. They have a lot of records, mind you, it's just that many of them have now been there for years and their "new adds" section usually consist of Abba, ABC, Bryan Adams, Air Supply, Paul Anka, etc...and that's just some A's. The workers there as of late don't seem to have any excitement, interest, or even knowledge in records anymore. To have once been my favorite record store, it's amazing what this place has dwindled down to.

I know many stores that sell records are hurting, but Great Escape appears to be struggling (at least in records) to the point that they may be in trouble as a record store. I've stopped going there regularly, mostly because I have left disappointed so many of my last few visits. I'm not saying I've given up on them completely, it's just that to say "it ain't what it used to be" is an understatement. It used to be great and I don't understand how they have gotten to the point where they are now. I hope next time I go by that they are still open.

• Pros: Open long hours
• Cons: Record selection is at an all time low

01/18/07

Slow service if you are trying to sell your things

by shadestn

The Great Escape on Broadway is a good place to go if you are a buyer. If you are a seller make sure you bring a bucket load of patience with you along with your wares. I have been selling off my entertainment collection little by little for many years so I have had many dealings with the Great Escape as well as Phonoluxe and CD Warehouse. Great Escape is always so SLOW when buying your items. This past week it took them over an hour to go through my things and decide what they wanted and how much they wanted to offer me. One of the major problems is that they are not computerized. They still look through notebooks & card catalogs! The other problem is that the staff just can?t be bothered. While in the middle of looking through your things they are not focused on the task at hand. They stop to talk to their friends, their coworkers, talk on the phone, etc. I always go to CD Warehouse first because they are fast, friendly & efficient. I only go to Great Escape to sell the things that no other store in town wants.

• Pros: Good variety
• Cons: Slow service, indifferent employee attitudes, hard to find parking

12/13/05

Great Escape has 3 album, Cd stores.

by awhofan

Great Escape has 3 record stores in Nashville / Madison. Main store off Broadway has many rare records. Good selection of rock and country. Some promos at times. Sales are often and twice a year blowouts. More on the common side on CD's. Half Price store is open Friday's and Saturdays only. Great deal, if you come early. Some Ebay sellers are there at opening. $1 records and $1 CD's up to $4. Best place to find record deals in Nashville. Madison store has good deals but the better selection is at Broadway. By the way Bowling Green, Kentucky has a Great Escape too.

• Pros: DEALS, Selection , Price
• Cons: Parking, Instore music (bad), Cramp store.