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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?

 

128x128nashvillehifi
james633
1,036 posts
 

Honestly no I don’t. Most places in business now are places that specialize in full theater installs and are more construction based. 2ch in metro areas seems fine as there are so many people and people with money in the area.

the online retailers are far too strong. Places like Audio Advice, crutchfield, music direct all offer 60 day home trials. There are also a number of good direct brands (Arendal, etc) offering great products. Not to mention the average person is broke right now.

I have spend a good $20k at my local dealer but almost all of my resent purchases (about $10k each) have all been from online dealers as I am just not interested in what my local dealer carries. My last speakers I bought from a private seller ( no local dealer for the brand) and my subs I ordered direct from the manufacture at a fraction of what a dealer would have charged.

nashvillehifi's avatar
nashvillehifi OP
5 posts
 

Thanks for your input

dynguy's avatar
dynguy
66 posts
 

I’d try but you can’t select brands that are a dime a dozen on the internet like KEF. I’d look at Dynaudio, Focal, others…And gasp soundbars..

 

 

nashvillehifi's avatar
nashvillehifi OP
5 posts
 

Funny you say that. I was a Dyn, Focal, and YG dealer lol. I’ve been trying to think of things that are different and appeal to a person that it’s their first time being in a real brick-and-mortar store. The internet is an unbeatable opponent, but I think there’s some to be said about hearing a pair of $900 focals for the first time or an electro-stat ML for 1800. Something new to them, different, and for a smaller town, kind of exciting. I mean you could do a Dynaudio Emit surround with a REL Zero fairly cheap.

decooney
2,038 posts
 

"@nashvillehifi I have had an audio shop since 2003, beginning in Florida."

I suspect you already know the answer to your own question after 22 years, right?

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Yesterday I visited my local 55-years-in-business audio-only dealer. He’s survived and thrived. I’ve been going there for 45 years. What he stocks, shares, and sells to repeat customers is not regularly available online over the internet. 1) unique products 2) his experience 3) demoing it for them to hear it, multiple times, no questions.

He sells 2-channel audio products and services only. All tube. No solid state. None, not any of the amps, preamps, or speakers he sells are sold manufacturer direct.

Can you offer something unique, interesting, fun, locally - where people will come into your store and decide to learn and listen, then hand over hard earned cash and/or their retirement bucket-list funds for it?

 

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