It’s the end of an era in Geneva.
Mikel George, Owner of Area Records & Music in Geneva says he is closing up shop.
It’s become a staple in downtown Geneva, and has served the area as an independent record store for over 40 years. He made the decision to retire on the 40th Anniversary of the business.
“It has certainly been a good time, and our customers have always been incredible,” George said, “I never felt as if I was going to work every day. The social atmosphere and business routine mixed together really well,” George explained.
A liquidation sale will begin on September 15th, and according to George the store will remain open every day until all — or nearly all of the merchandise is sold.
A number of local, regional, and national music legends made it a point to stop at Area Records & Music throughout it’s 40-year history. Some of those notable stops included, Taj Mahal, Rosanne Cash, Warrant, Béla Fleck, Victor Wooten, Carlene Carter, Barenaked Ladies, Derek Trucks and band members, Chris Robinson, Tara Nevins, Brad Gillis of Night Ranger, Ra Ra Riot and of course Geneva’s own, Travis McCoy and Matt McGinley of Gym Class Heroes.
Area Records was ‘shop local’ before the marketing became trendy. Rising during an era when shops like Area Records thrived in downtown settings — the business survived long-after many others. This was particularly the case as the music industry evolved into a digitally-driven, subscription-based service — moving away from physical copies.
Area also provided lessons and music repair services.
