North Shore Sound Ltd.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
North Shore Sound Ltd. is the only record store in Oyster Bay, New York, and one of the few remaining independent record stores on Long Island. The store has built a name for itself by striving to offer customers access to any music they want, regardless of its rarity. The store sells CDs, DVDs, Records, Cassettes, and Collectibles. It is often referred to by locals as CDs and Tapes.
Contents |
[edit] About
North Shore Sound opened its doors in late 1992. The initial stocking of the store was done by simply going through the catalogues of in-print CDs and cassettes, circling the desired pieces, and mailing the books to the distributors. At first, the store appeared somewhat bare. However, over the years it would become clear that the store was actually too small to hold all the media that would be brought in.
In the early 2000s, the store began selling DVDs. This move allowed the business to stabilize itself, minimizing the effects of an unstable music industry. Over the years, North Shore Sound has taken part in many of the major fads, including pogs, hackey sacks, digital pets (ie Tamigotchis), Beanie Babies, Tech Deck Finger Boards, Pokémon cards, Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, and baseball cards. The store is also known for its method of list-keeping. Customers can be put on a phone list by request, and receive calls when items of interest to them are released.
[edit] Atmosphere
Many of the customers remark about the specific atmosphere of the store. From the ceiling hang countless vinyl banners, cardboard mobiles and inflatables, most notably an inflatable Led Zeppelin Blimp from the release of Led Zeppelin I. Patrons are greeted by a life-sized RCA Nipper dog when they enter, and cardboard stand-ups of hot artists of the month. The signage is often marker on cardboard, and the staff are ready to help direct patrons to their requested items, or simply pull it out instantly from behind the counter. The store has been compared to the record stores in films Empire Records and High Fidelity, and is often described as "something perfect for Greenwich Village." Recent neatening of the store, due to organization problems and a change of management, has led to negative feedback from some long-time patrons who cherished the store's chaotic nature. Others, though, are pleased with the recent changes that make the store more conducive to browsing.
[edit] Bob Moloney
Bob Moloney was the founder of North Shore Sound. Moloney was born in Syossett, New York in 1956 and grew up in the Oyster Bay area, attending St. Edwards Elementary School and St. Dominic High School. While in high school, he began his first business venture: a Sabretts Hot Dog Stand. His keen business sense was evident even at this point, with his "Trucker Specials." In 1976, at the age of 20, Moloney opened his first music store, Records Plus of Plainview, New York. The store was a major success. It was known for its youthful atmosphere, fitting with the times. He sold records, cassettes, jewelry, band paraphernalia, iron-on tees, and even had arcade games. Unfortunately, the store was closed in 1980 because of leasing issues. Moloney remained in the record industry through the Roosevelt Raceway flea market, and also by working for a record distributor on Long Island known as Wilmi. In 1992, he decided he would open a new record store. North Shore Sound Ltd. opened just in time for the holidays in 1992. Moloney became very well known in Oyster Bay and the surrounding towns. The store built a reputation for being able to get any music you wanted. You didn't even need to know the artist or the name of the song--often, singing a few bars would be enough for Moloney to figure out what you were seeking. He was known for his ability to invest himself in his customers’ interests, and thus be able to make flawless recommendations. He was also known for his hoarding. By 2006, the store that started off with almost too much empty space had become so packed with stuff that it was difficult to navigate.
On April 11, 2006, the North Shore Sound community was saddened to hear that Bob Moloney had passed away of a sudden heart attack. Since his death, the store has not been the same, but it continues to operate and serve Oyster Bay’s music needs. Moloney is survived by his wife Gail, and his two children Kelly and Ryan. His family continues to try its best to keep both the store and Moloney's memory alive.
[edit] Trivia
- North Shore Sound Ltd. was declared one of the top three independent music retailers on Long Island by the watchers of News 12
- Current employee Ryan Mahon is a member of the fast-rising musical group Gracer.
- Famous clientele include: Vinny Testaverde, James Dolan, Jumbo Elliott (football player), and Billy Joel (to Records Plus).
