Another audio dealer bites the dust

I've said it many times. Too many of us go to the stores to demo equipment and make up their minds and then order on-line for lower prices. I've tried hard to buy books and equipment from my local stores, because I want the brick and mortar stores to stay. And yes, I am willing to pay more for that service. On line retailers got away with not having to charge state and local taxes and other fees and therefore could charge less, but (here's the bandwagon), you eventually lose in your neighborhoods because the tax dollars that would have been used to pay for Police, Fire, fixing the streets, maintenance, and other services isn't there anymore. it is subtle, but eventually it becomes obvious when it is gone and too late.

As they say, there ain't no such thing as a free lunch. I've notices that most of the high end stereo stores in LA that I was familiar with and worked with are no longer around.

enjoy

"I guess the Best buys of the world are the audio future. How sad!"

Best Buy does not carry enough AUDIO equipment, regardless of quality, to even be considered an audio store. And all the busniess mags I read say their days are numbered as well. On the tax front, Amazon now collects tax here in Texas. That's good news.
Cheers

Thanks! for sharing taters. How many competitors does GNP compete against?

Happy Listening!

I don't know if the Best Buys of the world are responsible or the economy .

The economy is strong where I live and hi-end stores are flourishing and growing in numbers . Always neat to see a new one pop up and go check out some different products and talk to different folks.

there are other reasons for the demise of some audio dealers.

there are plenty of high end dealers in the nyc metro area. it's about economics. having enough capital to start and sustain an operation, keeping control of inventory. and carrying brands that sell. these are within the control of the audio dealer.

an astute dealer chooses the lines he wishes to carry wisely, and can also get better deals , if he can afford to buy in quantity.

it may also be possible that there are manufacturers who choose to go direct. they compete with audio dealers.

the point is there are many reasons for closing a store.

perhaps, consumers are getting smarter and more are deciding that they do not need to patronize retail establishments.

the very existence of the audiogon marketplace provides an alternative to paying retail.