WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Economy, Internet Close Lebanon Music Store
Member Center:
West Lebanon, New Hampshire - December 4, 2008
In the age of iTunes and other digital technology, consumers are simply buying fewer CDs. Music Matters in West Lebanon is feeling the pinch. The store's owner says that over the past several years, he has seen a steady decline in shoppers, especially this past summer when gas prices were peaking and things have not turned around.
"Many some kids have a little more money but parents and others people, you know more people out of work more people just tightening up," store owner Robert Nahabedian said.
Because of that, the company is going out of business. Saying goodbye to the place it has called home for the last 10 years.
"Way back I had a full timer and maybe three part timers but we've been whittling things down so right now I have one part timer," Nahabedian said.
There are resources available for laid-off workers. Arthur McAllister works for New Hampshire Works, a non-profit focused on finding people jobs.
"When they come into the office we certainly try to assist them on one-on-one services, help them to find new employment. And when we have major companies that drop off or lay off, we have what we call a rapid response team," McAllister explained.
McAllister says that he has been contacted by companies recently and expects the number of unemployed to grow.
New Hampshire's unemployment rate is faring well compared to national numbers. Only about 3.7 percent of the people in the Granite State are out of work. The Upper Valley is doing even better. Only 2.6 percent of the work force in the Lebanon area is jobless. McAllister credits that to the local colleges and hospital, but he says no community is immune to layoffs.
"Times are tough. It is going to be a little rougher to find a job, but we are out there to try to help you. You may have to reduce some of your sights a little bit," McAllister said.
A sign that things are changing. Music Matters is seeing that change as kids stop shopping in person.
"They won't know what they are missing because it will all just be computer and there won't be stores around like this, but it was a good run for me," Nahabedian said.
The music store will close its doors for good at the end of January. In the meantime, owners are hoping to cash in on holiday sales one last time.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
