Wolf - if you have hair you are ahead of me. Congrats.
I think Goodwin's clientele is a combination of Wellesley types, people with trust funds and people with money from around the world. They do not want to be in the entry level, lower mid range market. They are really an outlier in the audio business. And most young people cannot afford Goodwin's equipment, just like they cannot afford a Ferrari or a McClaren. But, when I first walked in off the street I got a good reception and was treated very well. But, I also think I got one of the sales guys who is most open to walk ins. If you you do not already have someone there to work with, I can provide his name.
I agree that the entry level, mid-range stores need to do more to attract customers. AV Therapy does have open houses. As far as I know Natural Sound does not. Not sure about Fidelis.
To Phaelon's point, if I have someone interested in getting past the Best Buy experience, I take them to a local dealer I know. That makes the introduction a lot easier. I show that some equipment (including the high end stuff), let them listen and engage the sales folks as my friends get more comfortable. But I am also very comfortable at these places. If you have seen the ads on TV of the guys "caught out of their comfort zone" that is what often happens when people walk into higher end shops. They often don't know what to ask. I agree that sometimes sales people are not as helpful as they can be with those people. But I have also seen them be very patient with new people. But, taking people in really helps the situation.
