Smoke And Metal: Down in the Valley Fights For Its Rights

Before it catered to customers such as Jesse Ventura and Kevin Garnett, sold waterbeds alongside LPs—comfortably nestled in retail space below a reptile shop. That was 39 years ago.

The independent record store is still known for its hefty selection of vinyl, carving a particular niche in heavy metal music, along with, arguably, the largest collection of rock T-shirts in the metro area.

The shop has come a long way from its 1972 beginnings. Here, in its current Golden Valley space—a strip mall on Minnesota Highway 55—the odd, the retro, and the contemporary battle for customers' attention (there also are Down in the Valley stores in Maple Grove and Crystal). Rows of CDs sit next to gently worn vinyl classics, while books, beanies and jewelry crowd the store's right wall.

"With the advent of iTunes and large corporations, we had to expand our business to include more merchandise," said Scott Farrell, a Down in the Valley buyer. "But it fits. I love the products."

"We have a lot of interesting stuff," said staffer Leslie Zahn.

She ducked with enthusiasm behind the sales counter and emerged with her favorite off-beat product—a small solar powered Queen Elizabeth. "Look at its royal wave!" she said.

The Queen anchors an aisle of gag gifts overflowing with everything from wacky key chains to oddly shaped ice trays. Need to make a mold of Jesus Christ from toast? No problem. Always wanted a coffee mug that doubled as a knuckle sandwich? It's here.

The shop still operates a smoke counter, tucked in the back corner of the store. Customers can select from a colorful collection of glass pipes, featured in a large display case. Rolling papers are available on the wall, just across from an arrangement of incense and associated paraphernalia.

Last December, Down in the Valley entered litigation over the right to sell "herbal smoke" products—synthetic alternatives to marijuana.

The shop initially filed a suit, along with several other record retailers, challenging a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency ban on five commonly used synthetic cannabinoids. The suit was dismissed. Last month, the same group of shops pursued a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota, this time challenging a statewide synthetic pot ban enacted on July 1.

Though Down in the Valley representatives declined to comment on the ongoing court battle, Farrell noted the shop is involved in a "fight for constitutional rights."

Not to worry. A walk into the retailer confirms it will take more than a legal brawl to phase customers, let alone taint the store's historically hippie vibe. 

"It's a laid-back place," explains 16-year-old shopper Lamont Jackson, browsing the posters and T-shirts.

And despite changing times and ongoing litigation, Down in the Valley has maintained its reputation as a record haven.

"Down in the Valley is different than other music stores," said customer Emmy Baskerville. "It's cool."