Anybody who's awake has noticed the proliferation of large chain music stores, and the decline in the number of smaller, locally-owned music stores.

One of the United States' largest guitar retailers, Guitar Center (GC), opened new stores at the rate of one to two per month in the late 1990s. Between 1999 and 2003, GC nearly tripled in size, opening over 70 new retail stores.

GC currently has over 160 stores in 42 states and also sells online. GC also owns catalog and internet mega-seller Musician's Friend (MF), garnering another $350 million in annual sales. Additional sister companies include LMI, Giardinelli, Musician.com, Private Reserve Guitars, Harmony Central, Woodwind Brasswind, and Music 123. Gobble, gobble.

I have not been able to find statistics on the number of small music stores that have, evidently quietly, closed their doors in recent years. However, it is obvious that it is happening across the nation, and this trend has been a topic of some discussion on guitar forums and elsewhere.

Obviously, the current market supports the big-box retailers of guitars and gear. The chain stores have the advantage of nationwide marketing and advertising campaigns. They also have volume buying power and can offer deep discounts on selected items. Online retailers have the advantage of not having to charge sales tax for customers in most states. Though shipping costs may offset some of the tax savings, breaks are often given on shipping, clinching the sale.

To stay in business against tough competition, a smaller mom-and-pop store has to flex and adapt. They may focus on offering more personalized service, or specialize in high-end or collector's instruments, or be more accommodating on special orders or payment options. They may offer additional services such as music lessons or build on a reputation for having a quality repair department.

Stacy Mitchell is chair of the American Independent Business Alliance, and author of Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America's Independent Businesses. Mitchell's book asserts that (quoted from Amazon.com):

"Deep-pocketed chains like Home Depot flood the market to drive out competition....then advertise some products at or below cost, while most other products may offer no better value than at independent stores. Meanwhile....independent businesses not only return profits to local communities and remain more civic-minded and accountable, but offer resiliency rooted in diversity, in contrast to the big-box "monocrop." "

One reason I prefer my "local" guitar shop (30 miles from home) is that it offers a more relaxing, less gymnasium-like shopping experience. I admit that I have ordered items from MF, and it has been very convenient to have them delivered to my door. (Several times they were items that my favorite store did not carry.) My experience with MF's customer service has been good. But two trips into the nearest GC retail store were more than enough for me.

As put by the Grinch, "OH, the noise, noise, noise, noise, NOISE!" The GC salesman I dealt with was zooming around exerting high-pressure tactics in an obvious substance-induced- dilated-pupils-state. I was overwhelmed with the level of chaotic activity in the place (made me wonder if maybe, god-forbid, I am getting OLD!) and resolved not to return in other than dire circumstances. I drove directly to the locally-owned place, breathed a sigh of relief upon entering its pleasant atmosphere, and did my part to help them survive to see another day.

(Photo credit: AlphaTangoBravo/Adam Baker, via Flickr.com)