Stephens’ Music Company
Rome, Calhoun
Shane West, President/CEO/Guitar & Bass Instructor
Business this year: Calhoun store about even, Rome store up.
New lines or brands you’ve taken on with success this year? We took on Yamaha mid-year. It has been a wonderful partnership so far, especially at our Rome location.
Evolution in the industry you’re excited about? Our community support has been greater this year. There is much more awareness about how our local economy affects everyone and we have seen a resurgence in shopping local.
We support local musicians and venues through any opportunity we are given. I am a local musician, as are the employees of Stephens’ Music Company, so we are involved in the local scene in many ways. We have sponsored a local radio show that airs on 95.7 from Rome, Ga. (and online) every Wednesday at noon for three years now. It is called “The North West Georgia Music Hour” and features all local musicians from submitted CDs, in-studio interviews and performances. We sell local artists CDs and merchandise in our stores as well. Some concerns we have in the industry are low margins, MAP violations by online stores (no policing), and large manufacturers selling direct to consumers online.
Product of the Year? Fender is still big for us. The Fender Standard Strat Plus Top has done well and Fender acoustics are still a great value. Yamaha has done great since we added the line. Our Rome store has sold a good number of the APX500II acoustic/electrics. And the Yamaha keyboards and digital pianos are great.
