Starting my showroom again

I think I'm in the town you're talking about (maybe lol) and here's my .02c 

I've been in the AV industry since 2008 and the first half of those were at a retail brick n mortar and the second half has been in CI world, so two different worlds. I loved the retail job as it let me educate people as to how music should be listened to and I got a lot of sales just on the demo. We sold B&W, Classe, Rotel, McIntosh, ARC, Wilson, various turntables, Transparent Audio and a few others. I miss that type of business and the relationships with clients that I made. The big draw back was people would use our demo rooms, our knowledge, our vendor relationships and even going as far as doing a home audition then going online and buying it (used or from some dude working out of his garage). It got old really quick. 

Now in the CI world, selling high end products is very difficult because I can't demo it and it's way more cookie cutter. We're about to build a new office/showroom facility next year and I told the boss we need to do some demo room/areas in order to sell the good stuff. 

So in summary, I will always encourage giving someone the ability to listen to a system (regardless of price) so they can get that experience on how music should be listened to. Also keep in mind, that in between here and Nashville are A LOT of musicians/celebrities that have no idea what it's like to listen on a good system so that would be a great market if you can get into it. I will echo some of the others by staying away from the usual brands (KEF, PS Audio etc) since the market is flooded with those brands but in that same respect I would stay away from brands that are to obscure for fear of lack of dealer support (Avalon is right off the top of my head: Great speaker, no support)

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.

No, no, and hell no. If you're that desperate/determined to burn money, pm me for my address. Sorry. It's a different world now. I don't think that you can start up now the way you could 55 years ago (to use an example above).

nashvillehifi

Good to have you back! Sound advice as above. Consider visiting the (3) already established Audio shops -Atlier 13 Audio, Gestalt Audio and Hifibuys. Consult and talk with those guys to determine the current economy climate. The best news is that a new President will take office in January. Americans have the money but were afraid to spend it over the last 4 years. 2025 will change all of that for the better. Much better.

Second consideration, start small. Perhaps out of your home? You already have the experience and knowledge to test your local market. Nashville is growing with no end in sight. There is something to be said for auditioning Audio gear in-person.

Keep me posted on your progress.  Season's Greetings.

Happy Listening!

I would only attempt that business if I had someone else's millions of dollars to use and I was in an affluent market.  In a small town, that's just financial suicide. 

How many Mercedes/ Aston Martin/ McLaren/ Rolex/ Chanel/ Gucci dealers are in town?  Why would there be any of those brands there?  They sell to the same type of clientele. 

Look at the local real estate offerings.  What's the average sale price of a home per sq. ft?  What's the average sales price of properties?  

Unless you're in an enclave like Carmel CA, or Aspen CO, I'd steer clear of that idea.