Rockbites: Follow-up: Radio Free Records re-opens, for now

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July 2002 • Rockbites Alternative Daily

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Follow-up: Radio Free Records re-opens, for now
3 July 2002

As we reported three weeks ago, on 3 June thieves cleared out 80% of the CD inventory of Radio Free Records, considered by locals the best independent music store in the Durham-Raleigh-Chapel Hill 'Triangle' area of North Carolina, USA. They also took the cash register, the store’s stereo, and all the vinyl records.
    Small business owner Ethan Samsky did not have insurance against the theft—which came close to eliminating what is, for many in the area, an important cultural resource.
    But the community stepped up and pitched in and, for now, has provided enough money—close to $8,000 to date—for Samsky to re-open. Here’s a statement he distributed last week:

“The decision has been made to reopen Radio Free Records. This should occur in about two weeks. There has not been any recovery of the stolen goods, a cash register, two cd players, a stereo, approximately 150 records, and about 5,000 cds. At this point in time, it does not seem likely that there will be.
    “The donations raised are being used for an ADT security system, replacement of the cash register, stereo, cd players, and to cover various business related bills for the past month.
    “The decision to reopen is largely based on the support received from the community. The realistic extended future of the store, operating at such a huge deficit, is slim at best. After a few months, I plan to re-evaluate the decision to stay open. I plan on putting my best effort forward, but I will have to see if I am emotionally fit and able to 'start over again.' So, hopefully, we can do lots of special orders and the tremendous support already given can transfer over to these initial difficult months to come. I really feel uncomfortable asking for it, espescially to those who have already given it, but if things feel promising, I can always look for investors and loans.” | Radio Free Records tragedy info site | | RFR store info | | original Rockbites story on RFR | | top of page |

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