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The struggling economy is taking its toll on yet another local business.
Ear X-tacy opened in 1985, and has been a distinct part of the city of Louisville ever since. Thanks to the increase in digital music purchasing and economic difficulties, the business is, not surprisingly, struggling.
If the store closes, there will be a piece of the Louisville puzzle missing. But as with any economy, demands of the consumers change over time. Customers are no longer sifting through CDs to find the perfect tunes. Instead, they are firing up their computers and purchasing (legally, of course) the tracks they want, all within a few minutes.
With over 25,000 members of the Facebook group, “SAVE EAR X-TACY!!” it is clear that people are banning together to support the local business. There are plenty of people saying they do not want the store to close, but the actions of these supporters are the key to solving the problem. People cannot just say they want it to stay open. People will have to step away from their normal music-purchasing routines and start buying ear X-tacy’s merchandise.
Ear X-tacy also needs to reconsider the merchandise they sell. A more digital music market, more concerts that have a cover charge, and a larger variety of novelty items geared toward target customers would certainly stabilize the business.
Only time will tell if ear X-tacy can remain up and running. If there really are as many fans as there are on Facebook, then the local business might have a fighting chance to overcome the tough economic times.
