Guitar Center in trouble?

#4
skwee said:
I'm predicting an eventual fate just like Toys R Us, Bon Ton, Kay Bee Toys, etc. where the hedge fund jerks will walk away with million-dollar bonuses and another industry will be ruined.
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They'll just switch to an online store, like every other decent music shop did. Sucks not being able to play things before I buy them.
 
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#7
I'll miss the great no-interest deals. But then again, I won't miss having to come up with cash to pay for instant gratification.

I'm all for having a place nearby that has many of my needs, but there is a long list of things that I feel is a dis-service to their stores. First and foremost not having the stock I want. It's mostly a bunch of meh things that are designed for people that are not as flavored. I dunno, even strings are hard to get what you want anymore.

I admit, I mostly just order from sweetwater now. Fast free shipping, correct orders and candy. And nice friendly calls after a purchase from the SAME DUDE for 10 years. Maybe it means nothing to anyone else but I like it.
 
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#12
The problem is the prior owners borrowed all of the money needed to buy the company by putting the stores up as collateral, hoping the profits would cover the nut and then some. But they overpaid to begin with, and sales have slumped, so they can’t make the payments. A good portion of the ownership has already been turned over to their main creditor. Worse comes to worst the chain will likely be sold off in bankruptcy, another fund will buy them, close down the less profitable stores, and continue in business as a smaller company.
 
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#13
Jewce said:
They'll just switch to an online store, like every other decent music shop did. Sucks not being able to play things before I buy them.
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You know, your post got me thinking...back in the day, new types of instruments were being introduced, and people could go into the store and try them out. I'm thinking things like synths, drum machines, etc.

Well, the same technology that may take away that opportunity (internet) also gives a viable option: Youtube videos.

I was thinking about getting a vocal effects box. None of the music stores around me had one, but I went to youtube and found tons of demo videos, both from the producers of the products and customers that either liked thiers or didn't like it. I was able to make an educated decision and got exactly the one I wanted off Sweetwater.

Regarding basses, my take is that you get used to the feel of whatever one you end up playing the most. But that's just me.
 
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#14
I guess I will miss GC because now I am retired and can go in during the day when the riff raff is mostly absent. I have bought a couple hundred dollars of accessories last week for a gig and dropped $300 on repairs (good guitar tech). Ordering by Amazon sometimes does not work plus there are several guys there with good advice. And a very good guitar tech.

On the other hand, I waited about five minutes to check out. Two people standing at the counter, but only one doing any work. I think the do nothing was the "manager" judging by her name tag. Some weeding of the herd would be a good thing.
 
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#15
IamGroot said:
I guess I will miss GC because now I am retired and can go in during the day when the riff raff is mostly absent. I have bought a couple hundred dollars of accessories last week for a gig and dropped $300 on repairs (good guitar tech). Ordering by Amazon sometimes does not work plus there are several guys there with good advice. And a very good guitar tech.

On the other hand, I waited about five minutes to check out. Two people standing at the counter, but only one doing any work. I think the do nothing was the "manager" judging by her name tag. Some weeding of the herd would be a good thing.
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I mostly go to Guitar center for the same reason people go to art museums. I like to look at the cool stuff.

I buy everything off the internet. Everything.
 
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#17
Yes, this isn't new news, but it worrisome. I don't think ALL of the GCs will go down if something bad happens. The Sunet store will survive one way or another.
What surprises me is that Sam Ash seems to be doing OK. Their inventory is decent and they aren't in the news as much. I wonder how they are keeping their bacon out of the fire.
 
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#19
socialleper said:
Yes, this isn't new news, but it worrisome. I don't think ALL of the GCs will go down if something bad happens. The Sunet store will survive one way or another.
What surprises me is that Sam Ash seems to be doing OK. Their inventory is decent and they aren't in the news as much. I wonder how they are keeping their bacon out of the fire.
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Yeah. There is a "GC going away" thread here every year or two. There is no doubt in my mind that they are on the way out. The only question is the timing. Heck, it could be years.
 
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