What is the Future of Music Stores?
Looking at the hypothetical analysis of anything is difficult in and of itself, but especially when it comes to the subject of music. Considering the vastness of the field and everything related to it, it’s exceedingly difficult to pinpoint the exact future. Despite this primary warning tag, predicting the future of anything is a fun endeavor, regardless of the improbable correct prediction attached to it.
With this in mind, let’s discuss the future of music stores. Considering the current ongoing pandemic and the useless administration that’s barely handling it, it’s not a bright future for the future of music stores. In fact, it’s not a positive emphatic future regarding any particular store.
Despite the common dismal and sorrowful outlook on our future, music stores are a massive part of my life. Whether it’s a local instrument shop, record store, or a giant chain of either, any musician or music fanatic can attest to the beauty of any music store. Nonetheless, let’s take a quick look at what can happen with the future of music stores.
More Online, Less In-Person
With or without a pandemic, the movement toward a complete supply and demand via the internet seems to be inevitable. Although it’s possible the attraction of local in-person storefronts won’t ever fade, virtually all local businesses in the music world will be forced to have an online presence. Considering the interest of record shops and instrument stores are a niche already, the online presence of either will become a massive part of the industry.
Despite this, I don’t think this means a complete wipe-out of stores. It’s undoubtedly possible that leading conglomerates like Guitar Center might meet their demise, considering how huge of a company they are. Whereas the local appeal costs a lot less to run. Therefore, the pure interest appeal of local storefronts in the music realm might never fade. However, this is strictly a guess, and it’s assuredly possible all stores will be online only.
More Trades Person to Person
If you’re a musician of any kind, you’ve most likely devoted a bit of your time to Reverb. For those who don’t know, Reverb is a fantastic online marketplace for used, new, and vintage music gear. Various local shops and people utilize it as a way to sell gear directly to consumers. It’s easy to use, and virtually all musicians have it on their phone.
Reverb has become incredibly massive since its creation; thus, it’s relatively easy to assume this is the way of the future. Like a less in-person and more online notion, the overall trades from person to person will increase. Basically, more people will be able to sell gear with the birthplace of the online world. Not just for musical equipment and gear, but for vinyl and other products from record shops.
Will Music Stores Completely Die?
This question is a sad thought for any person involved in the music industry as a fan or musician. The vintage and beauty of record shops and music stores is difficult to describe to people who aren’t heavily devoted to the subject. Although the death of everything we love is eventually going to happen, including music stores, they’ll continue to last in some form for the near future.
As long as local storefronts’ local appeal remains in the music field, most music stores should be able to adapt to the online world. Plus, most music stores have already adapted to the current virtual reality of the internet. No matter the case, let’s enjoy and support our favorite music stops. As long as our demand meets with their supply, they’ll continue to exist in some form for us to enjoy.
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