Kangaroo C D's & Tapes

Kangaroo C D's & Tapes in North Providence, Rhode Island, focuses on CDs, new vinyl, special orders, and a donation-based bargain bin. In this interview, Linda Bowen talks about the shop’s long history and the customers it serves.

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Interview with Kangaroo C D's & Tapes

How did Kangaroo CD's & Tapes get its start?

When I opened the store in 1989, cassettes were outselling CDs 5 to 1. That changed as more customers acquired cars with CD players. I started carrying 12" singles for the DJs because I was special ordering enough of them to justify carrying them. Throughout the 90s, I would occasionally order LPs. The big sellers were Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, U2 and Neil Young. I used to get a lot of requests for LPs that didn't exist.

What does Kangaroo offer that other local shops don't?

I believe that Armageddon primarily deals with heavy metal/hard rock and Round Again mostly carries vinyl. I am mostly selling CDs. I carry a nice, but small, selection of new vinyl, mostly popular catalog sellers because they have a longer shelf life.

Why do picture sleeves matter for 45s?

People never seemed to take good care of their 45s. They come in with boxes of sleeveless, scratched, cracked 45s and insist they are worth a fortune!

How did the donation-based bargain bin begin?

Customers were kind enough to offer me free records, so I took them. I really don't sell that many of them.

What condition issues do you see in local collections?

Excellent point—the stuff is often in pretty poor condition. A lot of people also rent storage units, which also doesn't do the vinyl much good.

When a collection isn't a fit, what do you tell the seller?

I think Round Again is pretty picky (rightfully so) about what they buy. The customers don't seem to understand that the majority of the people buying vinyl are younger (20s and 30s, I would say) and they aren't interested in buying your parents' beat up Mantovani albums.

What have you learned about running a small shop?

Cater to the customers who actually spend money in your store.

Last updated: 2026-10-10

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