New University Avenue record shop is out of this world
By Tom Smith
Correspondent
Normally in the Vinyl Word, I would be reviewing a newly-released record (occasionally a compact disc), but this month I’m writing about something that not only will be a great influence on future subjects of this column, but something that will impact readers’ vinyl shopping options.
As Press Times readers know, I was an employee for thirty-four years at the Exclusive Company in downtown Green Bay, a record store that sadly no longer exists due to the death of the owner.
The absence of the Exclusive Company left a big void in the retail music scene in Green Bay, not to mention it put me out of a job and a career.
Luckily for Green Bay and myself, outstanding Green Bay citizen Pierre Jacques (also a former employee of The Exclusive Company) is opening The Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records, located at 2248 University Ave.
It’s the building where Guitar Cellar was previously located, downstairs from Blue Gem Tattooing (which does high quality work).
The grand opening is from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28th.
As the name of the business implies, it is a UFO museum gift shop that also has records.
Inferring from the name of the business that you will find UFO and sci-fi related gifts and other items of that genre is a 100% correct assumption.
Items you will find include trading cards of all sorts, sci-fi magazines, mystery magazines, pulp sci-fi books, sci-fi and comic book action figures; other action figures from professional wrestling, sports entertainment, movies and television, rock bands, and last but not least, Olympic athletes.
The inventory is rounded out with unique novelty items, toys, buttons, stickers, rubber chickens and t-shirts.
In regards to the records aspect of the store, new and used vinyl will be stocked.
They are in the process of setting up to be a record store that gets all the limited exclusive vinyl that is released on Record Store Day and Black Friday.
Many Record Stores across the nation open up early for Record Store Day, but the Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records will stay open later than normal business hours on Record Store Day.
There will be some compact discs, but they will be stressing to customers to pre-order new releases if they’d like them on CD.
Inventory will also include 45s, cassettes, vinyl care kits, cleaning solutions, headphones, record sleeves, and the occasional mini-disc.
The store will have a VHS rental section – this is not a typo – the store will have a VHS rental section curated by its owner, Pierre.
The store will be hosting in-store performances by bands, solo performers and DJs.
I asked Jacques a couple questions about his new venture.
What do you like so far about the neighboorhood?
Jacques: The dirt bike wheelie guys (referring to a group of dirt bike enthusiasts who on an almost daily basis pop wheelies in the parking lot of the University Square strip mall located in front of the Museum. To be honest, I love it also, it’s become my 5 o’clock Charlie). Also the taco truck that’s in the far-left corner of University Square, El Pastorcito (the food is good, I’ve had it myself).
If you could listen to records with any dead musician, who would it be?
Jacques: David Bowie
If you could listen to records with any space alien, real or fictional, who would it be?
Jacques: David Bowie
Yes folks, I do believe I’ll enjoy working for Pierre Jacques at the Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records.
Live Long and Prosper.