Sonic Boom just posted their plans for the first RSD drop. I talked with one of the buyers/Asst Manager on Sunday and he acknowledged that they were very uneasy about all of it. Even with the reduced number of titles, they don't do online sales so they needed to come up with a plan to still be able to sell records. He posited that if even 1/3 of their normal crowd showed up, and was good with social distancing, the line would snake down along Ballard Ave. I recommended a ticketing system, or an online system like Schedulista (Floodland Brewing has used it successfully, though with a lot fewer people), but for now they've decided to not try to deal directly with what happens outside their doors.
"Our current 10 customers at a time policy will remain for RSD.
Each customer will have 15 minutes max to shop. We know this is LAME. But, we need to find a happy median between those inside and those waiting in line. Our staff will be ready to help locate titles for you. That way you won't waste precious minutes searching.
We are happy to shop for you. When it is your turn to come INSIDE but you'd rather stay OUTSIDE, we can grab your records and check you out on the sidewalk.
As always, only 1 copy of any title is allowed per customer.
No holds allowed.
To the faithful that religiously camp out each year, please keep social distancing in mind.
We so appreciate all of the support surrounding this event. Record Store Day is very important to us. But you all are much more important. Please do your part in keeping the event safe and fun for everyone!"