When I lived in Edmonton, Alberta the Students Union ran a record store in what was called the HUB Mall - a student apartment complex with shops - where I lived. It was the best selection I've seen with staff who knew their stuff. I was buying 2-3 lp's a week, much on spec and on the staff's recommendations, people who got to know my taste. It was through them I got into groups like Malicorne or Kolinda - european folk groups which weren't played much on Alberta radio, or some of the ECM label + more. I had a 90% + success rate. After moving, I lost contact with knowledgable people in record stores and probably dropped to less than 20% success rate.

I rarely buy things on spec now unless I can listen them first. Knowledgable staff seemed to be the key and is probably getting very rare except in small specialty stores where people can get to know you.

Rana