Metro Gnome Music & Cycle To Go
Tucson
Todd Crawford, Owner
Business this year: We had a strong instrument rental season this year, and overall sales have increased over last year. The one problem we have encountered is an increase in delinquent rental instrument accounts, and a higher percentage of accounts that we have had to turn into collections.
New lines or brands you’ve taken on with success this year? This year, the biggest change we made was adding folding bicycles by Brompton, Tern and Montague. Great for touring/traveling musicians, easy to pack and take on tour, or to tuck in a corner if you ride to a gig. The Brompton is even small enough to check on an airplane without any oversize bag up charge. Also added bike accessories and service. We are always looking for products that will appeal to our customer base and complement their lifestyle.
Evolution in the industry you’re excited about? We had our second Annual Gnome Fest this year, a festival with talented local musicians and food trucks. Many of the bands that played at the event rehearse in the rehearsal studios that we operate next to our music store. Part of the proceeds generated went to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. There seems to be an abundance of subpar band instruments flooding the market. We are seeing more and more cheap band instruments from overseas coming in for repair. Many parents think they are saving money by finding something cheap on eBay, but I worry that these instruments are causing kids to lose interest in music. Even many of the major brands have fallen in quality as they move their operations overseas.
Product of the Year? Snark Tuners.
