Learning to Love Retail Analytics
Number crunchers have been harping on analytics for years – you’ve seen it take hold of sports (Moneyball and the rise of “sabermetrics”) while advanced infographics have become a staple…
Store-Branded Instruments Represent More than a ‘Vanity’ Label for Some
In the course of compiling our annual ’50 Dealer 50 State’ review and forecast each November, we’ve noticed that a fair number of dealers cite their own store’s brand –…
The Music People Turns 35
It’s a rare venue or studio that doesn’t include at least a few items from On-Stage Stands, the flagship brand from MI manufacturer and distribution company, The Music People. That…
Fender Adds U2’s Bono, The Edge to Board of Directors
U2 duo Bono and The Edge have joined the Fender board of directors. The singer and guitarist, both recruited by Fender majority owner TPG Growth, will work with the company…
New Ownership for Santa Rosa’s Stanroy Music Center
Longtime downtown Santa Rosa, California music dealer, Stanroy Music Center, nearly closed up shop for good before veteran employee Steve Shirrell and friend Dustin Heald decided to step in. “Tupper…
NAMM D.C. Fly-In 2014
NAMM’s D.C. Fly-In allows members to perpetuate NAMM’s vision of a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught;…
GC Discontinues Relationship with Behringer
On May 16, 2014, Guitar Center gave direct notice to Behringer (of parent company, MUSIC Group) that they would no longer be carrying any of their products in-store and terminating…
Fender Promotes McDonald to Executive VP
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has promoted industry veteran Richard McDonald to executive vice president, Fender Brand. The move represents a larger strategic shift that aims to improve alignment and better…
Flatland Guitar and Lutherie Opens in Fargo
A pair of North Dakota guitar vets have opened a brand new retail and repair business called Flatland Guitar and Lutherie. The Fargo store, which opened in April, focuses heavily…
Cordoba Names Ren Ferguson VP of Manufacturing/R&D for Guild Brand
On the heels of Cordoba Music Group’s announcement of their intent to acquire Guild from Fender Musical Instrument Company (FMIC), CMG has now announced that Ren Ferguson will join the…
Trade Regrets: Kay Koster
Kay Koster was a pioneering women retail owner, who not only successfully ran a business on her own beginning in 1940, but also personally repaired guitars and amps of all…
D’Addario NYXL Launch Event
To celebrate the unveiling of D'Addario's new NYXL electric guitar strings, a special launch event took place at the Carle Place Guitar Center on Long Island on Thursday, May 1st…