Starting my showroom again


 

Hello, audiophiles. I would like to get your honest feedback. Back in 2022, I had to close my business in Nashville owing to a series of unexpected occurrences (several deaths in the family, a rapid move to assist my mother-in-law, and a brain operation); all of this necessitated that I close the store in a matter of weeks. It was now a two-hour trek to Nashville. I worked as a glorified gate operator at a chemical company because that is all was available in our small town. I received an opportunity to become national sales director for an audio company, which would provide some income—not much, but enough to go back into the hifi business at the bottom level.

 

 

 

So now you know the incredibly brief version of the story. Here's the question: there is a little town about 30 minutes away that is booming and gaining more expensive retailers like Ulta and StarBucks. So here's the question.

 

Do you believe a small town like that might support an up-and-coming hifi business that sells receivers, speakers like PS Audio, KEF, and other manufacturers at a lower price point until the store can handle more expensive items? The closest "electronics store," Electronics Express, is nearly an hour and a half away. I have had an audio shop since 2003, beginning in Florida. Thoughts?

 

nashvillehifi

Showing 1 response by jpan

Glad you’re back on your feet.

Your knowledge and ability to sell will be the keys to your success. There is an art and craft to retail. That extends to your selection of products. It will take time to develop your clients but it can be done. 

If it were me, I’d also have a full line of headphones and associated gear. Give them an easy entry and a taste of higher end. I’d bridge the headphone and two-channel stuff with some great digital front ends at easy-entry price points. That would complement the two-channel gear. And have a small, constantly refreshed set of audiophile-level records. 

It sounds like you’ve been through some serious challenges. Compared to that, you can do anything.