Rockin’ and rollin’ to a new home

Local music store moves for the second time; will stay on Barstow Street

Story by The Spectator staff

Revival Records is moving down the street to 128 S. Barstow St. What started as a tiny store off East Clairemont Avenue will be moving to a new location almost twice the size.

Billy Siegel, Revival’s owner, said his business is improving and growing, which is why the new location is necessary.

“I’ve had to push our (checkout) desk back to make room for all of the records and it’s still crowded,” Siegel said.

“The new amount of room will give us new opportunities.”

Siegel started Revival Records in October 2009 after he had waited years to see someone else do it first.

“It was a small, 425 square-foot store,” Siegel said. “I was there for a year before I came here, three and a half years ago.”

Revival Records is the largest record store in the area. Siegel said he believes his store is the premier stop for music lovers as he carries various genres of music, as well as CDs, turn tables, receivers, speakers and his own clothing line including hoodies and t-shirts.

“I’ve got any vinyl accessories you could think of including sleeves, needles, cartridges and belts,” Siegel said.

Siegel had been looking for a bigger location for about six months, and when space just down the street became available, he knew it was the best opportunity.  At the current location, Siegel cannot present all of his merchandise because of lack of space.

Siegel, who purchased his first record in downtown Eau Claire, said he believes downtown businesses hold significance.

“After we move down the street, I’m really hoping a retail store comes in here,” Siegel said. “I like to see as much retail on Barstow as I can.”

The main reason for the relocation, Siegel said, is so he can host an all-ages venue.

“I’ll have concerts for anyone to come and see,” Siegel said. “Bands can come play and anyone can come and listen to the local music.”

The new location is two stories and includes a stage Siegel plans to have ready as soon as the store reopens in March.

On April 19, Siegel plans to honor National Record Store Day by having a grand reopening party.

“There’ll be bands playing all day long,” Siegel said. “Record Store Day is a pretty big deal here.”

The party will include prizes and discounts. There will also be limited edition copies that are given out that day as well.

As for the operational side of the new venue, live music is wanted. Siegel wants the venue open during the weekend and weeknights after 5 p.m.

“I work closely with local bands in the area,” Siegel said. “I’ve been in contact with them (about playing).”

For sales, Siegel hopes to get more record players into Eau Claire homes. Including the addition to clientele, he believes records give music lovers the opportunity to enjoy music through a different medium and enjoy the album art.

Revival Records will stay open at their current location at 418 S. Barstow St. until March.