We’re the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (or AIMS for short) – a group made up of forward-thinking music stores across the country dedicated to bringing you the best music shopping experience possible. AIMS stores are all locally owned and are widely different in “look and feel,” but are united in their dedication to putting artistic integrity ahead of mass-market commercial hype. In other words, it’s about the MUSIC.
AIMS stores are located coast to coast and our membership currently stands at 29 stores in 21 cities. We are not a chain, but rather an association of independent stores working together to benefit our customers and record label partners. Visit any of us and you’ll find a wide selection of music that goes far deeper than most mass-market retailers (including formats such as vinyl and DVDs at most of our stores). Through our combined efforts we’re also able to work with record labels to bring you special issue CDs that you simply cannot find at any chain store, period. You’ll also meet staffers who are passionate and knowledgeable about music, and ready to provide a level of service that you won’t find elsewhere. Remember when record stores were cool? We’re still living it.
If you’re with a record label, AIMS is ready to work with you to help bring your artists to our customers. We offer both audio and video listening station programs, online marketing support, and can tailor a promotional program to your specific ideas. Inclusion in programs is determined by a vote of all AIMS members, ensuring the integrity of our marketing efforts. All of our stores are Soundscan reporters, and most also report sales to CMJ and StreetPulse. Our sales chart appears weekly in CMJ New Music Report, as well as being an element of the Billboard Tastemakers chart. Ready to work with us? Contact our head honcho, Eric Levin at eric@criminal.com.
|
