It's a sad day for Houston.
From Rob:
"Dear customers,
After weeks of seeking out investors, struggling to make ends meet and down right being left without a penny to my name, the store will begin the process of closing this Saturday.
This is very, very difficult decision for me. I'm not only letting myself down, but the hundreds of people who have come to appreciate our little shop. Over the last year, I have met some of the most incredible, thoughtful and caring people in my life. Your patronage through the tough times gave me the courage to continue working. When I was having a bad day, several of you would come through and just turn that around. With either your conversation, your smile or even just your presence, you made it easier. You were all a constant reminder why this venture seemed right.
The store isn't closing because of competition or lack of customers. In fact, from Nov. 1st thru the 13th, we opened 35 new accounts, pushing us over 800 members. With Cactus Music now reopened, we're receiving plenty of referrals from them. The one and only reason we're closing was because I didn't save enough money in the beginning. The capital that I had just wasn't enough to get us through. The most frustrating part about this is that the store continues to grow at a pace that would have gotten us out of the red in a few months.
To even consider staying open, the store needs about $6,000 over the next week. But that's just for our immediate debt. To really make a difference in the store, we would need about $20,000 - $25,000. That sum would dramatically increase our inventory, take care of our food permit/stock and give our front signage a complete overhaul. Believe me, I have exhausted any and all possibilities of additional funds.
Beginning on Saturday, we will no longer offer rentals. All inventory will be priced out to sell.
Catalog - $5.00 a piece (except for criterion and television)
New Releases - $8.00 a piece
I wish I could go lower, but whatever we end up with will be divided among my creditors.
Thank you all again for your patronage over the last year. This was an incredible experience, one I will always remember. Mostly in a good way.
Sincerely,
Rob Arcos"
