Pug’z store brings indie music to Westwood
By Kathleen Dunphy
Aug. 18, 2002 9:00 p.m.
The latest vinyl-filled business to set up shop in Westwood is
no longer Zone d’Amour, but Pug’z New and Used Music on
Westwood Boulevard.
The new store, which opened on Aug. 1, resides in the same space
Tower Records used to occupy, and is actually still owned by Tower
despite the new indie attitude and posturing.
Posters of Pseudopod and Maroon5 have replaced the shining faces
of Mario and Paulina Rubio, but some of the biggest changes are
reflected in the prices, rather than the decor.
Pug’z has new sections of used CD’s and vinyl. No
regular CD will be sold for more than $15.99, according to
21-year-old Pug’z supervisor Ben DeLeon, a sociology student
at UCLA.
“As employees we’re free to promote our favorite
music,” said 24-year-old Augustin Garcia, a Pug’z
supervisor and recent UCLA graduate.
DeLeon has similar feelings regarding Pug’z and the new
liberties allowed to employees, emphasizing that any corporate
influence has been (at least superficially) removed from the store.
Like many other independent music stores throughout the nation,
employees can pick which posters to put up, what music to play, and
even what CD’s to put on a rack for recommendation to
customers.
“We’ve embraced the college crowd, stopped pushing
corporate sales. We have a more underground, indie product,
regardless of if it’s hip-hop, indie punk, etc.,”
DeLeon said.
The entire third floor classical section has been converted into
a lounge and vintage clothing shop. The pea-green walls and
furniture circa 1950 lend a retro feel to the entire floor. Free
all-ages shows are held there every weekend, and local bands are
encouraged to contact Pug’z about playing.
Local bands are also welcome to sign consignment agreements with
the store so they can get their merchandise on sale, according to
DeLeon.
“Any indie store has to have a soft spot for the local
community, and we’re for sure an indie store,” DeLeon
said.
Pug’z can be found at 1028 Westwood Blvd. For more
information, call (310) 208-3061
