My introduction to Zia Record Exchange and its myriad wonders can be fully credited to the adventurous nature of a mediaphile who is most dear to me. It was the insatiable desire for a particular recording, long sacrificed to the disorder of the Party Gods, which brought us to Zia well after 9 o'clock Saturday night.
Bentley Rhythm Ace was not to be found on the racks and one of the employees, Eric, entered our inquiry into the store's computer system to find that our search would indeed be unrewarded that evening, but he offered to order it with the promise of a prompt delivery in the coming week. All agreed, and basking in the warm glow of satisfied consumerism, I realized that Zia is not your typical used and new media store. So in proper Consumer columnist fashion, I asked what else, besides the dutiful staff, was unique about Zia Record Exchange.
I found that Las Vegas' Zia is part of a retail chain with seven locations in Arizona. Known for their generous trade allowances, diverse selection and reasonable prices, Zia is an excellent alternative to the music mega-stores that dominate Las Vegas. But don't let their friendly nature and low-key approach fool you; Zia knows all the tricks of the business.
Eric assured me you can listen to anything new or used before you buy, and if they don't have what you're looking for, they'll track it down. Zia will even take independent recordings on consignment. Dedicated to patrons, Zia's rewards program gives points for purchases, redeemable in merchandise discounts and gift certificates. Plus, they're loose with the promotional paraphernalia and new releases available Tuesday morning can be had just as the clock strikes midnight Monday.
There's always a raffle for the latest concert tickets or autographed sundries, and since its May opening, Zia has hosted several in-store performances featuring bands such as Slipknot, Taproot and Underoath. But Tony, Zia's stage manager, is hot on showcasing local bands, as well. I stood by as he scheduled Jack and the B-Fish for October 29. Add to that their collection of concert T-shirts, a magazine rack complete with Adbusters, a solicitation wall for local interests including indie comic books, $2 vinyl, and as Jordan, another employee, pointed out, rolling papers. Zia has all the charm of a neighborhood record store with the heft to get you what you want, when you want it.
Zia Record Exchange, 4225 S. Eastern Ave., 735-4942,
www.ziarecords.com.
Jennifer Henry has got the goods on what to get and where. E-mail her at
[email protected].