A copywriter for a marketing agency, Jeff Segal also has a love for music and listening to it by playing records on a phonograph. Knowing others share his passion, he decided to start a business, but is taking a methodical path to what he hopes will be permanent success.
With a resurgence of interest in phonograph records, and believing downtown Waukegan is a potential location for a store, Segal sold them at four pop-up shops in downtown Waukegan over the summer. He said he is ready for the next step.
Signing a three-month lease for a store on North Genesee Street, less than a block from the Genesee Theatre, he is prepared to test the market for a potential permanent retail operation in downtown Waukegan.
“I did three popup shots at Art Wauk, and one at Scoop,” Segal said. “It was quite an experience. I found someone who would give me a three-month lease. I hope to do well enough to continue here.”
The Waukegan Music Exchange opened its doors to the public Saturday in downtown Waukegan, selling new and used phonograph records from a variety of genres including jazz, blues, folk music and more.
After a formal ribbon-cutting with local officials and well-wishers, Segal spent the next 45 minutes behind the counter selling and packaging records to a steady line of dozens of customers.
“I was happy to see so many people finding records they wanted to buy,” he said; “Everyone was super cool and patient waiting to check out. I had so many great conversations, and met so many music lovers here in town.”
One of the customers was Justin Matulonis of Waukegan. He said he likes the sound of music coming from records played on a phonograph. When he finds a used record to his liking, the price is often reasonable. Segal said some of the used records there are priced at $5.
“I go all over the place looking for records, and now I can do it where I live,” Matulonis said. “There’s something special about listening to music on a record. I like looking at records and reading the jackets. You learn a lot about the artist that way.”
Dozens of customers looked through the displays of records, flipping the jackets to see what was next. Segal said there is a separate display for jazz, but most of the other genres are mixed together.
“Jazz is its own thing,” he said. “All the others can overlap.”
After making remarks at the ribbon-cutting, Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor began browsing and found records to purchase. She said she has a record player. She purchased an album of holiday music.
Remembering record stores before people started listening to music on tapes, compact discs and downloading it electronically, people frequently listened to a record in the store before purchasing it. There are no booths in the shop for listening, but Segal has a plan.
“I’ll put it on the turntable for them,” he said, pointing to a record player behind the sales counter.
A sign affixed to the sales counter reads, “We buy records.” Segal said he is happy to look at used records from people to sell in his shop. He also goes to estate sales to find stock for his displays.
With people already starting to buy holiday gifts and intensifying as Christmas approaches, Segal said the holiday season and a month afterward — the lease runs through Jan. 31 — will give him the knowledge to decide if the shop will be a longtime fixture on Genesee Street.
The store will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on weekends, and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Hours may expand as the holiday season continues. Segal said there are some potential holiday gifts in the shop.
“Vinyl recordings make great holiday gifts,” he said. “That Grateful Dead ‘Europe ’72’ album would make a great gift for someone for Christmas,” he added, pointing to a classic disc on the wall.