Bart Ford, owner, had an entire shelf dedicated to local music, stocked local artists Louis & Cluck t-shirts, and records for miles. Located on 14th and Harvard, a mere stone’s throw from TU and entertainment district Cherry Street, I think we all took for granted that Under the Mooch would always be there.

Over the time the Mooch was open, it found a warm place in the hearts of Tulsa’s alternative music fans. Bart had in-store shows with some of the country’s budding musicians including Tavo Carbone and many more. The Mooch was also a venue for blossoming avant garde t-shirt company RandR. Always a first stop to put up concert posters, the Mooch was a proverbial hotbed of the music scene here in town.

I have fond memories of spending money at The Mooch, and anytime I was curious about a band or album Bart would do his best to play me a sample, even if he had to go to the band’s myspace page. He would go above and beyond for custom orders, whether it be new vinyl, or an old favorite. Try getting that kind of service at Best Buy!

But Under the Mooch’s closing signifies more than just the loss of an amazing local business. To me it signifies our need to fight for our local culture. The malls are closing in, and its getting harder and harder to find local businesses that deliver good customer service and competitive inventory. The one thing we can do to support our town, and develop our own identity is to think local first. When going out to eat (Elote, Joe Momma’s, Tucci’s, Kilkenny’s), when going to a movie (Circle Cinema), when going shopping (Ida Red, Dwelling Spaces, Kiddlestix, Shoe Gypsy), think…is there a local business that will cater to my needs? If there is, by all means go there first over a big box store. I know I am preaching to the choir to some extent, but Under the Mooch is our loss too. If we fail to support our local businesses, they will close, plain and simple. Don’t take them for granted.