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Aya Nakano, visiting from Japan, browses through the new selection of DVDs and CDs available in A

Ask any hardcore music listener in 2006 and they’ll all likely say the same thing: buying CDs is for suckers.

Yet that hasn’t stopped BookZone in Ackerman Union from changing up its tried and true formula.

Despite the closing of numerous Westwood CD vendors over the past four years, including Tower Records, Rhino Records and Penny Lane, BookZone has begun selling audio CDs. The move is part of a spate of changes including the sale of DVDs and literary action figures.

Beginning this past August, shelves have been stocked with music CDs and DVDs alongside more traditional fare such as school supplies and literature. This offering of new merchandise is purportedly a response to student interest.

“We are trying to respond to things we’ve heard from students,” said George Rock, the floor manager of BookZone. “Also, we are always looking for ways to expand and offer new products.”

Viewing the closure of other CD outlets as a potential benefit rather than a bad omen, Rock feels that the reduced competition and the convenience of purchasing on campus, as opposed to trekking down Westwood Boulevard and Le Conte Avenue to Best Buy, will lead students to consider purchasing their music at BookZone.

“There aren’t many other places in Westwood to purchase CDs,” Rock said. “Only Best Buy is remaining.”

For some students, however, no degree of convenience or lack of competition could make CDs a worthwhile purchase. Reasons as varied as the individuals who supply them have forced or guided many away from physical ownership of music.

Dawn Rago, a second-year graduate student, feels that the simplicity and directness of purchasing music online has, for her, ruled out the need for a trip to the music store.

“I wouldn’t say that I ever buy CDs anymore. Buying my music online is just easier and faster,” she said.

Nicholas Drayton, a fourth-year political science student, also feels that the product, however centrally located, does not fit his lifestyle. Using Internet channels and friends, he seeks to avoid the hassles inherent in owning and operating any sort of physical product.

“I don’t buy CDs or DVDs frequently, and if I do, I use the Internet. They’re only good for so long, and it’s more convenient to move things directly onto my computer,” Drayton said.

However, not all opinions regarding BookZone’s changes were negative. For some, BookZone’s decision to sell CDs actually makes their lives easier.

“I think this is something I would use because I don’t have a car, so it’s way more convenient,” said third-year history student Rachel Robles.

As BookZone will be selling these products in small volume, this change is not a major shift in inventory for the store but more an experiment into expansion of sales. Testing the waters in the music market, Rock said, should be a relatively safe move.

“This isn’t our only bread and butter, so we feel safe trying new things out,” he said.

Low prices may spur sales; however, as with computer merchandise in Ackerman, Associated Students UCLA discounts will not apply.

“Items will be sold below the market price, but beyond that, their worth is dictated to us by outside sources,” Rock said.

Tiptoeing into the market with an initial volume of 1,500 items including repeated titles, BookZone intends to leave itself room to see if things catch on.

Aid in stocking the shelves was provided by Europea, a company that specializes in studying the purchasing habits of college students and military-base occupants. Examining computerized data to determine which items sell and which don’t, Europea recommends inventory intended to keep stores profitable and customers satisfied.

“We worked with this group to understand what sort of items would be popular to stock. As time goes by we can use the information they give us to alter the selection based on what is selling and what isn’t,” Rock said.