Cognoscenti Shops
Many cities develop their civic culture around a sport. In St. Louis, it’s baseball. In Los Angeles, it’s basketball, and in Atlanta, it’s shopping. No wonder that stores here provide community and networking. This is especially true for the cognoscenti in various industries. For people in the music biz, one primary store is Toco Hills’ Ella Guru CD and Music, run by Don Radcliffe.
Don and the store are a nexus and a touchstone for people. If two folks are talking about music and mention “I recently bought ‘x’ at Ella Guru” it indicates a particular taste and approach to music. Going to the store not only gets you specific music that you want, but also likely gets you information and the chance to meet with other like minded folks. Don often links people up because he knows his customers and their projects. If you’re a young singer who needs a producer
for your demo, Don knows who you need. If you’re a bass player looking for work, Don knows a band who needs you.
Additionally, he also knows music that you, as an individual need to hear. Every city has stores in this mode. It helps define a place as a city. Be it literary, artistic, hobby related, scientific, or any other field in which there are tools that indicate expertise, stores have become a means to link knowledgeable people together.
Often these stores have slightly higher prices than their big box counterparts, but the return on investment is phenomenal. Walmart can’t help you find a person who can provide you a quick custom designed dimmer which plugs into your pc to change the spectrum of lighting in your home… but Don can…
All without a coffee bar!