Another audio dealer bites the dust


GNP of Pasadena California is closing there doors after 30 years in the high-end business. The owner told me they don't have enough sales to keep the door opened. It's really ashame, they are very nice people and very knowledgeable. I guess the Best buys of the world are the audio future. How sad!
taters
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.
One can't blame the internet for all things, just most things. :-)

Consider that any big box store like a Walmart doesn't pay anywhere near the taxes they should as they bargained away that source of revenue for the honor of being there. Also, all the sales taxes you pay that should go to the city for the services they provide go directly to the shareholders for about the first 5 years, if not more, just for the privilege of having them there, cheapening the community.
I couldn't think of a better model to rape a community and still look legit.

With everyone diving in thinking they're getting that bargain, it's no wonder that more legit audio stores haven't bitten the dust. When one had real choices: that bargain basement crap-o-la soundbar half off for that big screen or a chance to hear something really good, exposing oneself to what the high end has to offer, it gave hope and some footing for the brick and mortar dealer.

All the best,
Nonoise
Minor1, You are still suppose to pay your taxes to your city/state/county when you purchase something online. When you buy something from out of state online they not charge you tax because you are suppose to send the money in yourself. No most do not do this, but it is tax evasion. As for the stores going under, you can blame the high price points for things that have no reason to be marked that high. Look at Wilson Alexandria, I am fairly positive that it costs wilson less overhead to build his speakers than to build my home. This can be aimed at cables, electronics....If the only way people can receive the worth of a product is to buy it online or used thats what they will do.