A boundless selection of artifacts for the pop-culture anthropologist.

by Contributor

In Short
Virgin's selection of pop CDs is comprehensive--and the store's reputation as a haven for imports is well deserved. The electronic music section is extensive, littered with hard-to-find titles from smaller West Coast and international labels. Pop culture definitely rules the book selection; and the DVD and multimedia sections are strong as well. The chain' biggest selling point may be the multitude of listening stations that allow shoppers to check out loads of new CDs before purchasing.

07/09/07

Mega for sure

by jericsmall

This Virgin Megastore is awesome IMHO. The selection is as I've come to expect out of these megastores. The prices are nothing to write home about though. Parking is difficult at times. Good luck if you do need help of some kind usually, though some of the sales staff are gems. What can you expect though these days? Always like the large number of listening stations and the store layout is good. Good place to bring the hick state relatives if you want to impress. Nearby restaurants too.

• Pros: Huge selection.
• Cons: Poor parking at times.

11/29/02

The Mother-load for music

by laghettoboy

Ten years ago, Branson & Co. came stateside with the Los Angeles Megastore. All I can say is that 10 years later, they're still on top. Although they've expanded their offering to include DVDs, Games, and Clothing (they now have a Ben Sherman boutique), their music selection hasn't suffered at all. With hundreds of titles on listening stations, editorial reviews scattered through the store, and kiosks that let you scan and listen to any CD in the store, there is no better place to get turned onto new music - something that's especially important with radio sucking the way it does. All in all, Virgin is a MUST in my opinion for anyone serious about their music.

• Cons: great selection, friendly, amazing experience

08/25/02

Best on Sunset

by semilit

If you're waiting around for that 10pm show at the House of Blues, shop at Virgin - it's the best on Sunset. Tower, Wherehouse, and any of those other major chains on the strip don't nearly have the ambience or selection of music. Plus, if you're into starspotting, this is the place. On one particular night, I walked passed Drew Barrymore browsing through the aisles and Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) standing at the checkout line. The store also occasionally hosts in-store performances (DJ Shadow, Coldplay, Dido, and Travis have all graced their small stage). Still, no one goes to Virgin for the deals unless you just money to burn. It's just a trendy music store for Hollywood Hills inhabitants - or those who want to live there.

• Pros: Parking, Quiet, In-store DJ
• Cons: Expensive

08/06/02

Virgin Blows....

by telegony

Virgin is way too expensive and you can't listen to most of the music before you buy and they have a draconian return policy. Go to Amoeba and you will find everything you need at reasonable prices with a nice staff and a funky atmosphere.

• Pros: Big, Good Selection
• Cons: Expensive, Can't Prieview Music, Can't Return Music

07/23/02

Huge!

by barbq1

It is so big! Also has many sp[ots where a person can go and listen to music before purchasing it!

06/11/02

A Scene and More

by Ngila

Virgin is a huge store. They have a great selection of music and many listening stations. Although the last time I was in the store, many of the stations were broken. The store is also located near restaurants and a movie theater so you can make it a stop while you either dine or see a movie. I've often discovered a new CD here, since they promote different kinds of music.

05/21/02

The Epicenter of Mainstream Music

by RichardTate

Virgin has an overwhelming selection of music, movies, books and magazine, but the things that push the Megastore to the top of the list for me are the in-house DJ, listening stations and the events (live performances, release parties, signings). You'll find a better selection of hard-to-find albums and indie releases at places like Amoeba, but for mainstream music, this is as good as it gets. Grab a cup of coffee next door at Buzz, and lose yourself for an afternoon.

• Pros: Events, In-house DJ, Huge selection
• Cons: Parking