Empire Records was anti-corporate. The record store goal needed to stay independent, under Joe's management, and they did want to actually pay money. They didn'

Empire Records was anti-corporate. The record store goal needed to stay independent, under Joe's management, and they did want to actually pay money. They didn't strike and just demand to become owners. Ironically though, there is a line by the owner of Empire Records on how he would be a rich man if his hippy father hadn't turned his grand fathers toilet emporium into a record store. But considering the state of record stores right now in the world, he is probably right, and long term a toilet store was a better option.