Reckless Records — Local services in Chicago

Visiting from KC and decided to check out a Chicago record store or two, settling on Reckless Records as it was in my area. My initial impression was that it was pretty neat but small. They have some used VHS tapes and DVDS, plenty of CDs, a few cassette tapes (which I really came in for), and a decent but not sprawling selection of vinyl new and used taking up the center portion of the shop. It's not a very big place but easy enough to navigate around others checking out the vinyl. I found three records and the prices were great compared to a few of the record shops in KC. I wasn't thrilled the used vinyl was 'sealed' into the plastic sleeve so I couldn't verify the quality of the record myself to what's on the lable. My initial good impression took a bit of a dive after I checked out. I had bought my three records, one of which I had picked specifically out of a few other copies because it was clear vinyl versus black vinyl. When I went to check out that record was taken to the back and switched out, I politely asked why that was and was told it was due to something with inventory, which I didn't completely understand the reasoning as I have never placed out inventory on the floor that wasn't to be sold unless it was a single display model. I shrugged it off and left with my purchases. Almost immediately after I left the store I realized that the copy that was switched out was the one that I had picked for the clear vinyl. When I checked my bag the copy that was placed in there was not the clear vinyl but the black vinyl instead. I went inside and kindly asked if it wasn't too much trouble if I could actually have the copy I was originally going to purchase as it was specifically picked out because it was clear vinyl and it was the same price. I don't see why this should have been an issue but immediately the cashier who had originally checked me out did not seem thrilled about that and from what I felt snatched the record from my hand, grabbed the previous record I had picked up and kind of unhappily and half-heartedly gave it to me. Not sure if it was a manager behind him but another employee stepped in, he seemed a lot more receptive to my idea and asked if we could do it quick exchange so that the inventory was actually correct which was no problem I was happy to do that. The second employee was very kind and helpful and the first employee was initially helpful and nice but I don't know why asking for the copy I originally picked out seemed to have been an issue. I'm hoping it was just a one-time thing maybe caught him at a bad moment but it did leave a sour taste in my mouth when initially I was so pleased with what I had been able...

Truthfully, compared to the other Reckless locations in Chicago, a huge disappointment. I’m not a record collector, but I do collect CDs and cassettes. Their cassette selection was nearly non-existent, maybe 50-60 titles. This is to be expected, though. However, I do expect a good selection of CDs. I must say their CD selection was very overpriced and didn’t have the interesting titles that I usually go to Reckless for. I’d like to give them the benefit of the doubt that they are a smaller location compared to the others, which is true, but this does not make up for the fact that their CD selection is lackluster and expensive. I’d attribute these high prices to being located in the loop- it’s prime real estate I’m sure. Also, getting to this location is extremely difficult compared to the other locations as it is located in the loop (which is a NIGHTMARE to traverse). Just go to the Milwaukee or Belmont locations. Their prices and selection...

I'm in Chicago visiting for the first time and earlier this evening I was wandering around downtown and found this place. I immediately saw a CD that I wanted which was amazing. Of course they only have empty plastic cases on the shelves so i went to the counter to ask an employee if he could get the CD for me. His response was "That ISSSSS the CD!"

Huh?

It clearly was not. It was just the plastic case, but I didn't say anything else because I was baffled by his response.

Then he said "Yeah! It's in the plastic case because we don't want anyone STEALING our stuff. I can go in the back and get it for you."

I still didn't say anything else to him. He brought out the CD a few minutes later, rung me up for the $2 purchase, handed me my change, and did not say thank you, have a good night, or anything. Not a word.

Very weird experience.

He did not speak to any of the other...