THE MUSIC & SOUND RETAILER’S 13TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT RETAILER ROUNDTABLE
THE CHANGING FACE OF RETAIL GOTTA STOCK IT! MAKALA DOLPHIN SOPRANO UKULELE BY KALA
By Brian Berk In years from now, when we look back on 2018 regarding MI retailing, despite a shakier economy than in the most recent past, most will likely say the industry had a positive year. But this certainly does not mean MI faces no challenges. In fact, it’s far from it. Internet competition is tough. Competing on pricing alone is well in the past. Then, there are the new questions raised about the U.S. Supreme Court’s online sales tax ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc., which in essence says states can compel retailers to collect sales taxes, even if they don’t have a physical presence in the state. “The Internet’s prevalence and power have changed the dynamics of the national economy,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the 5-4 majority opinion. “The expansion of e-commerce has also increased the revenue shortfall faced by states seeking to collect their sales and use taxes.” But considering several retailers have both a brick-and-mortar presence and an online presence, will this ruling have an effect on MI or be negligible? We ask that topic first in our 13th annual Independent Retailer Roundtable, which took place at the restaurant Barlines, across from the Nashville’s Music City Center, during Summer NAMM. Joining us this year are Allen McBroom of Starkville, Miss.-based Backstage Music; Gordy Wilcher of Owensboro Music Center in Owensboro, Ky.; and a new panelist, Chuck Marks of Harrisonburg, Va.-based Hometown Music. All are members of the Independent Music Store Owners (IMSO) retail group. The Music & Sound Retailer: How will the Supreme Court’s internet sales ruling affect you, if at all? McBroom: I feel like it will reduce the incentive for some of our local customers to find and buy instruments online. We’re in Mississippi, where there is a 7-percent sales tax. If I’m selling a $500 item, I have a $35 disadvantage selling at MAP. They can go to any online place out of state, buy it and save $35. I can’t blame them for doing MUSIC & SOUND RETAILER
THE COLORFUL MAKALA DOLPHIN COLLECTION WAS AWARDED THE BEST IN SHOW GOTTA STOCK IT DESIGNATION AT SUMMER NAMM 2018 BY A PANEL OF RETAIL BUYING EXPERTS. TODD JOHNSON, MANAGER OF GROTH MUSIC IN BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA, SAYS “THE KALA DOLPHIN SERIES IS A NO-BRAINER” BECAUSE THEY OFFER EXCEPTIONAL VALUE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. AVAILABLE IN 10 EXCITING COLORS, THE MAKALA DOLPHIN HAS A CLASSIC LOOK THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK. STOCK UP TODAY FOR THE BACK TO SCHOOL RUSH!
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