Going for Epic Seconds

By Kyle Swartz

On 30 E 11th Ave, Epic Seconds is the only store of its kind in Eugene. Walking in, one will likely be surprised to not only find a vast selection of CDs and records but also a wide variety of movies and video games. Owner Benjamin Terrell credits their diverse selection for their success and believes it’s what keeps customers coming back. Like other stores in the city, Epic Seconds accepts trade-ins, but their variety allows for trading across formats, meaning one could come in with records and leave with video games. “I think that’s really what makes us unique,” says Terrell.

Now 46, Terrell is very familiar with the record store business, working in record shops since graduating from the Art Institute of Chicago in his early twenties. When he began work at the store, it was part of a chain known as CD Game Exchange. Started by two UO graduates, they had established the Eugene store as well as five Portland locations. When they were able to buy out the original backer, they left the ownership of the Eugene store to Terrell and an associate, and in 2014, he was able to buy the partner’s share of the store, making him the sole owner.

Receiving full ownership has provided Terrell with many opportunities, including the recent rebrand of the store to its current name, Epic Seconds. Additionally, his movement away from retail work has given him more time to focus on his painting. “I’m excited to be here and see where I take the store, but the reason I started doing this isn’t necessarily the reason I’m still doing it,” Says Terrell. David VanPelt, a long-time employee of the store, explains the shift. “I know he wants to go home at a reasonable time. He doesn’t want to stay ‘till late and I don’t mind working until 8 so where he’s at in life that’s perfect for him and I’m happy to help with that.” Additionally in 2014, Terrell was able to buy a house with an art studio that overlooks the McKenzie river. Since buying the house, he’s had his art exhibited in at least a show a year, and this year, he’s had his work appear in 4 shows.

For the future, Terrell plans to make some major changes to the store, including reinstalling a staircase to the upper level of the building. He has multiple ideas for utilizing the extra floor space, including the possibilities of a rare record room or group gaming space. Ultimately though, whatever he does, he wants the store to reflect his love for record shopping and the nostalgia he feels from his childhood, shopping for records in Memphis with his father. Simply put, Terrell says, “I want to make the store a place where my dad and I would have shopped.”