This is the heart of the issue. When people do not have a connection or desire to continue visiting places, they are more and more likely to begin purchasing things online. It takes less energy and is usually much cheaper. The only reason that Guitar Center has lasted this long is (1) people like to feel guitars, play them, look at them, and dream about them before making such a huge and personal purchase and (2) the shipping risk and expense is far greater than your typical packaged good. However, just because people aren't buying less guitars at Guitar Center now doesn't mean this won't change in the future. Borders never figured that Amazon would become so huge back in 1998. I'm sure someone will figure out how to do instruments online which will wipe out Guitar Center pretty quickly. If not, the sales will continue to be mediocre and they'll eventual stagnate their way to a quiet demise. I look forward to a world with smaller shops filled with passionate people. We recently had a SciFi bookstore open in my town and next door an independent coffee shop. It's a very nice to see this instead of the typical Barnes & Nobels + Starbucks on every corner.I would not miss Guitar Center, much in the way I did not miss Circuit City.
Guitar Center stores are another examples of American consumerism's race to the bottom. They offer the lowest prices because they buy from distributor's at a low price. Of course quality control and knowledgeable staff will suffer. That said, two of my most knowledgeable friends that are musicians work for the local guitar center, which is by far the best I have visited. Whenever I'm home though, I go to the mom and pop store because I know the money is going back in to the local economy, and that some cool people might be there (such as the guys from moe.or Joe Bonamassa) depending on which one I go to.
I should have specified that the local guitar center is local to me in Rochester now. Also, not sure when the last time you've been to the Utica area is, but Joe Bonamassa's dad opened up a guitar shop in New Hartford.
This echoes my experience with Guitar Center and other music stores entirely. Experienced and knowledgeable employees make all the difference. They make you feel like part of a community instead of simply a customer. >it is a catalog with walls. Why buy from a brick and mortar catalog when you can try a guitar in person and go home and make sure you get the best price online?
It can be very difficult to buy the guitar you want from a mom and pop store. It never used to be but because of the ruthless business practices of Guitar Center, it's now next to impossible. Guitar Center will mandate that they get all of the best makes, models and colors from manufacturers like Gibson, Fender etc. What the mom and pop stores are left with are crap guitars, the ones Gibson is pushing that Guitar Center doesn't want. Guitar Center will often give more for a trade-in too. Therefore, they end up with the best used gear too. They're pretty ruthless and cut-throat. I've had some long conversations with music shop owners and they get livid about it. I hadn't made the Bane/Romney connection prior to this article though. Interesting stuff. I think that from here on out I want to buy used guitars anyways.