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.