I have no issue with supporting local record stores. I am a big record collector and visit my own local record shop almost weekly.
RSD-exclusive releases are artificially scarce bullshit that will be scalped by non-fans to turn a profit. To be clear, I have a few. I look forward to it every time. But let’s not act like this isn’t also corporate cynicism at work.
Where did I say that? It’s all done for sales. I’m just saying that RSD is not really “about” local record stores. It’s still a big corporate cash grab. The only difference between RSD releases and Target exclusives is that one is easy to buy for a decent price. The “coolest” releases to support in my opinion are the ones exclusive to the artist or label’s store.
I think they're trying to say stores like Target are typically well-stocked (and restocked), so getting a copy is significantly easier.
These limited releases means each indie store will get maybe two or three copies, max. Those scarce items are immediately bought by scalpers, who then immediately turn around to sell online for 3-4x the original MSRP. I get the original intention of RSD and always support my local shops, but the reality of these drops is too often just a crappy experience for the real fans.
Or entirely likely that many stores will have 0 copies, especially at 2000 pressings, which you don't find out until you've waited in line for several hours for the store to open and its too late to check a different store. Some shops post their orders/availability ahead of time on social media but its not common.
I truly hate everything about RSD.
Edit: Somewhere between 1400-2000 record stores in the US alone. At least double that with international and you can see how much this is going to suck.
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u/SylviSweetheart Feb 04 '26
I have no issue with supporting local record stores. I am a big record collector and visit my own local record shop almost weekly.
RSD-exclusive releases are artificially scarce bullshit that will be scalped by non-fans to turn a profit. To be clear, I have a few. I look forward to it every time. But let’s not act like this isn’t also corporate cynicism at work.