After 11 straight issues of MMR with this space being occupied by my own observations, ruminations, and speculations on our industry, I happily entrust this page to folks who actually know what’s going on in MI retail: the dealers, themselves. I hope that 2022 was a profitable and enjoyable year for all of our readers. For those who met with success in the past 12 months, here’s to more of the same! To those who have been struggling, I join you in hoping for brighter days in the coming year.
“We celebrated our best year in our 63-year history this fall. The supply shortages intensified the stress of the fall back-to-school season but we were able to navigate through it.” – George Quinlan, Jr., Quinlan & Fabish Music Co.
“2021 was a record year for The Music Shoppe, with gains seen in almost all departments. 2022 will likely match our 2021 performance. Given the decline in guitar sales seen by the industry as well as a lack of “double recruiting” for school bands in 2022, we are very proud of our team’s efforts and results. We are most concerned about consumer fear being created by increasing inflation. If consumers are consumed with concern about their financial future, they may become conservative in their spending, which would likely mean fewer new instruments purchased or rented. We feel confident that 2023 will be a great year for our company.” – Jonathon Breen, The Music Shoppe, Inc.
“Considerable growth this year in Band/Orch. Guitars have cooled some. Pianos have had an uptick. Supply is still the number one problem in the industry. Long back-orders discourage customers.” – Dave Krogan, Frank Rieman Music, Inc.
“Strong execution of the model from our franchised system and a multichannel approach has generated positive customer count growth.” – Eric Miller, Music Go Round
“2022 was much more successful than 2021! California, and the west coast in general, are still struggling from the aftermath of all the COVID restrictions, but I finally feel like we are on an upward trajectory after two-plus years of struggles.” – Laura Penrose, Nick Rail Music
“Retail sales and the school market has improved. [Concerns?] Two words: Inflation and Supply. Supply challenges really hit band instruments this year… hoping and planning for improvement in 2023.” – Christopher White, White House of Music, Inc.
“It has been a fun and energizing year. We are fortunate to have great team members, customers, vendors & community collaborators! It was great to get events with Make Music Day going again and many other clinics, community programming and more…There are still some supply chain woes, as we all know. We cannot take any day for granted and need to work hard to retain our great folks and recruit additional strong culturally fit talent. And of course, the looming recession/price hikes on everything for operations is a lot to take on too!” – DeDe Heid, Heid Music eed to work hard to retain our great folks and recruit additional
“Another record year here; so far, we are significantly up over 2021. We feel we are likely heading towards a recession and are anticipating reduced traffic and reduced spending in the coming year(s).” – Amanda Rueter, Ernie Williamson Music
