RIP Benway Records | venicebeach.org

Sun, 2006-04-23 18:38

Venice | Neighborhood :: pamela's blog | login to post comments | 758 reads

OK, they're not really dead yet. They moved the store from Venice to Santa Monica so they could be near another dying friend, Vidiots a 'video' store. Like a dusty curio shop, they still have small circles of vinyl and plastic for sale at 306 Pico Blvd.

Still alive and well and now in Santa Monica! Venice always my home, still is, but how can any small business pay the high rents! Global gossip now "Coffee Bean" and I hear "Gap" and "Starbucks" are gonna be at OFW and Thorton! "Quiznos" where the sushi academy was? Sad to leave, but who can pay the rents that major corp can. Not I. It's the "New Venice" not unlike what was done to 3rd street in Santa Monica, the small indie stores will have to move to more of a neighborhood of support than a outdoor mall that will cater to tourists. Sad to see my home of 24 years go all Starbucks on me. Where is Grass Roots Venice when you need them! Beach Head, thought you we're down for the cause?
Venice forever, Kelly Benway

P.S. Don't be bitter, we didn't quit Venice, we just couldn't afford it anymore. We moved, dusted everything off, got in all the great new releases, and moved next to an awesome indie Video store.

Comment by Submitted by Kelly Benway on Wed, 2006-05-17 10:20.

I heard there's some group dedicated to stopping corporations in Venice. Any one have more info?

Comment by Submitted by loal on Tue, 2006-05-23 14:34.

Yeah, the people against corporations are the Oakwood crack dealers.

Comment by Submitted by a tourist on Tue, 2006-10-03 19:45.