Guitar Center may be in trouble

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Jeff Romard

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Sep 4, 2006
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Sydney, Nova Scotia
They should re-brand for today's "music" and call themselves DAW/Sequencer Center.
 
They have been renovating the stores around here in an attempt to focus more on lessons and things you need in-person versus simply selling gear. But it might be too little too late.
 
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I don't visit GC often. We have 2 near me .. one small one about 15 min away that doesn't stock a lot, and another about 30 min away that has a decent selection.

I bought my Fender Strat there and a Marshall amp. Bought my pair of JBL PRX 612 speakers there since they price-matched NSL and the tax was close to the shipping costs from NSL, so it was a wash. But I agree with some of the comments that there isn't much knowledge there. Sam Ash is a little better in that regard.
 
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It's not just GC.
We've had a local music store chain (3 stores) that ruled the kingdom around here since the early 70's.
They too, were focused on musicians, with limited stock for DJ's.
But, they have since closed two of their stores.
One because it was too close to their original location...
(they were competing with themselves)
and the second because they closed a major bridge just down the street,
which killed ALL of the traffic in front of the store.

But I would guess that internet sales had a HUGE influence on the closings as well.
 
Many malls are next if Sears and Macy's go under...

No doubt!... We already had one large mall close down, and several smaller ones as well. Walk-in retail in general is having a tough time. Not sure I wanna be in the situation where you either buy online or go to Walmart[emoji1], but that seems to be the way we're headed.


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I used to buy the majority of my gear from GC. Probably haven't bought anything from there in 10 years.
More options, better prices on the internet makes it difficult to choose them.
 
Internet reigns supreme. Most of what I purchase, I get from Ebay or IDJNOW.

I did buy my Alto TS215 speakers from Guitar Center. I also bought 1 of my Alto TS110As there a few years ago, then got the 2nd one from IDJNOW. Again, I don't know how much mark up there is for the store on lower priced DJ Speakers. They probably only make like 30 - 35%%, and when they run a 15% OFF sale, that cuts their profits down pretty good. When they have to price march a competitor even lower, the profits are real small.

Then, some of products they sell are simply over priced. Much of their lighting is at regular MAP sale prices, and are usually excluded from their promotions. I can go online and always find lower prices with free shipping on DJ lighting effects.

Speaker Cables, Microphones, MIC cables, and other accessories are all higher priced than what I can get them for online. They don't really sell cases, or carry bags there for the stuff they do sell which I always thought was a big mistake...Missed sale opportunities there.

I think last time I was in GC, I bought a fresh roll of Gaffers Tape because they sell a large roll for $19.95...which is comparable to what I can order it for off of Ebay. I think I also bought another C Clamp there which costs like $7.95 or $8.95...with shipping about the same off of Ebay.


Really, Guitar Center is a place I go if I need something for a gig that is coming up, and not enough time to order it online these days. I use to buy lighting there, and did buy some speakers there in the past, but today, I wouldn't purchase that stuff there because better deals are to be had on Ebay or Amazon etc.
 
I guess I hit it lucky I was in the one in Portland ME several times and they were very knowledgeable and helpful. I bought a truss and some lights there lasts trip. I was in a couple in Florida and South Carolina too and the conversation wasn't deep but it seemed they knew their stuff

I buy 95% of my gear local. The price is usually close and if there is a problem it gets taken care of right here. They treat me very well
 
The sad thing is that there are already very few "brick and mortar" places to shop for gear and electronics. I don't mind hitting the web for most things, but some things just require a little hands-on time, before purchasing. Aside from a few scattered independent retailers, Guitar Center is the last of its kind around my area. ...Not to mention having someplace nearby to grab some cables or small gear on the fly.
 
Article also mentions Gibson Guitars is close to bankruptcy as well .. their parent company (Gibson Brands) also owns Stanton and Cerwin Vega.
 
Article also mentions Gibson Guitars is close to bankruptcy as well .. their parent company (Gibson Brands) also owns Stanton and Cerwin Vega.

I was a HUGE Cerwin Vega fan. Sadly CV died a long time ago it just hasn't laid down yet