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In fact, music business coach Joe Taylor Jr. insists there are at least four ways an independent music retailer can compete successfully against the big chains.

In a post on his site spinme.com, Taylor recommends small independent retailers should:

1. Position (yourself) as an expert in one or more specific niches. When folks think you're THE destination for emo/jazz/metal/reggae/yourgenrehere, you can go deep and superserve a grateful customer.

2. Focus on special events. Make the store a destination. Create lots of in-store concerts, signings, listening parties, and anything else that can get folks out at lunch time, after work, or around shows (if the store's near a venue).

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