City: Tempe, AZ

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (480) 829-1967

Address: 105 W. University Dr.

Insider Pick:

Description: Founded by Phoenix resident Brad Singer in the early 1980s, Zia has grown from a funky little place selling vinyl to a major Southwest music chain. The Tempe location is obviously a hub for Arizona State University students, many of whom are unsatisfied buying big mass-market CDs at nearly $20 a pop. Music lovers appreciate Zia’s no-frills approach to providing the widest possible selection of new and used CDs and vintage vinyl. Imports are well represented here, and because the inventory is usually alphabetized without regard to genre, it’s possible to spy a CD by a country singer snuggled next to one by a heavy metal artist. The local music scene mourned Singer’s sudden passing in May 1998, but the stores carried on his passion after his untimely death. Find other Zia locations in the Valley at 1940 W. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix (602-241-0313), 2510 W. Thunderbird Rd. in Phoenix (602-866-7867), and 1940 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler (480-857-4942). Each of the stores is open all week, mostly until late night.