I work for a large independent. I believe we have a better handle on things because of the following differences

1. We carry Pianos and keyboards but do not sell Workstations because of the internet and our market.

2.We cater to the market. Places like Guitar Center HAVE to buy the same goods and inventory for all the stores no matter what the market.

3. Owner pays cash for everything that comes in the back door. Instead of interest paid there are 3-10% discounts received for quick payment.

4. Employees are paid a great hourly wage and a small commission on serialized gear. Bonuses are given twice a year based on profit margins. Employees are empowered to make a deal according to business needs. IE high dollar items sell for less during slower months. Want a PRS for well under MAP. Shop in February, LOL

5. We balance low margin gear with high margin sheet music.

6. We don't carry everything for everyone.

7. Everyone is a manager. We all decide what and how much to order, not the owner as we are on the floor and know what sells and what dpes not.

I do not believe places like Guitar Center can be as flexible and are more corporate policy oriented for all locations. All geographic locations are not the same.

Carrying a few $3000 Motifs will not fly in a smaller area. Nor will DAW software. You have to know what will sell and how much. The GCs of the world apply the same formulas to all locations. Thats what caused Brook Mays to go belly up.

Now I hear Best Buy will become the New GC becasue margins are better for MI than TVs.They will have the same problem GC had.

I like the idea of GC having issues. The large Vendors have all buy dismissed the little guy and it will be the little guy who will become their biggest customers.

Gibson blew out the independents by strong arming them in to carrying too much product and making demands on Wall space. Without GC they will suffer as well. Fender outsells Gibson 2-1,

Its going to get interesting.