There was a good independent musical instrument store on Santa Monica Blvd. in W. Los Angeles named West L.A. Music, which everyone preferred to the Guitar Center on Sunset in Hollywood. They did a good business, and thrived. But the owner finally couldn't turn down GC's offer, and sold the business to them. GC immediately closed down the store; they just wanted to eliminate the competition, of course. GC tried to do the same with Professional Drum Shop on Vine St. (opened in 1959!), whose clientele includes all the L.A. studio drummers (they make Jim Keltner his calfskin heads) and other professionals. Owners Stan and Jerry Keyawa resisted, thank God. The best drum shop in the world!
Could I be a Retail Wretch?
I started a discussion here this morning to get some feedback on whether an external DAC would make an appreciable improvement over an internal processor’s DAC. During the discussion, I said that I typically visit a local audio dealer, to experience the equipment and then, comparison shop to find the best deal. The particular dealer I was referring to, emails me weekly, sends postcards monthly and catalogs quarterly. It’s always with an invitation to “see and hear the difference”. So I visit, and occasionally buy some small ticket items. But, when it comes to spending thousands on nationally available equipment, I don’t feel any obligation to limit my shopping to that one location.
When I shared my buying habits with the forum, I received responses that said using any brick and mortar stores to demo and then buying elsewhere “cuzz” it’s cheaper is just plain wrong…
I was surprised at that statement. I’m a value oriented person. I enjoy quality items. But I search for them at the best price - is that wrong? If there’s no competitive pricing or added value, why should I feel obligated?