Big Chain Guitar stores

[40ftsmurf]

I found out recently that Guitar Center is coming to town. They're building a store on the south side. I really hate to see it. Over the years I have developed a close relationship with the music store owners, and their employess, families, and in some case I even know their pets names. I don't feel that closeness will be there with a big box guitar store. Sure they've got fantastic prices on equipment. I don't mind paying a couple of bucks more to support local business. But will everyone else have that loyalty. All of the owners that I have talked to say they are expecting a 25% drop in business when music center open up. What do you think?

[Hammurabi]

I think that individuals make or break small businesses and that if you and all of your friends continue to support the local stores it will have a meaningful impact on their prosperity.

[elklandercc]

You should do a live jam session or show out front of the local store. Kinda make em noticed, doing on the day when Guitar Center opens would be a smooth move too. I buy my gear from the local guitar shop, which is the place where my first guitar was bought. I geuss I kinda owe it to them for helping me get started on a great journey. But with guitars, they never have what I'm after, except for acoustics. They have a great collection of acoustics.