There is no guarantee as to which CDs and DVDs will be at an independent record store, but these are generally the best places to go for obscure albums or films. Depending on the store, new products may be sold, but most of the time they are lightly used. It is sometimes possible to trade in old CDs for new ones, or cash. But the buyer must beware when buying a used product, because there isn't always a refund offered at independent record stores. Clerks at these stores are generally very knowledgeable and may be able to help you find a certain album that you couldn't find in a major retailer.
Most major retail stores like Target, Wal Mart and Best Buy carry CDs and DVDs at low prices, but only carry products that are popular. However, if a new artist is carried in a major retailer, it is likely to be much less expensive here than at any other type of store that sells CDs. Major retailers also sell value packages of some DVDs that may include two or three DVD discs for the price of one. They all come in one package, and are of the same quality had they been purchased at any other type of retailer.
While they generally don't sell CDs, movie rental stores are one of the best places to go for used DVDs. Since new shipments of DVD rentals are sent to these stores on a weekly basis, the stores must make room on their shelves by selling the previously viewed discs. This means that a DVD may not even be a year old before it is sold at a discounted price out of sheer necessity. New DVDs may also be sold at movie rental stores, but are typically much more expensive, even compared to major retailers and independent shops.