[Phil Maneri]

I don't go anymore either. It's pointless to spend all the time money and trouble when most of the newest stuff available has so little profit margin left in it that it makes carrying the newest stuff an exercise in futility. There is less time for interaction with manufacturers and distributors as they fill up the hall with people who "don't belong there". It is slowly becoming a retail marketplace for end users rather than a convention of music retailers for industry growth, idea sharing, and networking.

This is driven by big box retail and internet sales. They have beaten the prices of merchandise down to the point where they have driven the smaller retailers out of business. 20% gross profit margin before all the expenses is to small an amount to carry a small retail enterprise. Clothing stores, department stores, and grocery stores all have 100% or more markup. That is 5 times more than the retail music industry. They can show a profit easily even after putting stuff on sale for 25% off. 20% margin may work for the largest of stores that sell a huge amount of stuff but the small mom and pop shops are closing up all over the country as their business moves away to the internet and big box retailers.

That is fine if you know exactly what you want, what you are getting, and don't need any other service or information. Not all consumers are that savvy.

Consumers are driving that exodus too by only thinking of the cheapest price rather than the other things the little shop has traditionally given for that extra dough. The community music shop of my youth staffed with smart, experienced, educated musicians and craftsmen, with full service repairs, sales, and lessons is going away. The loss is the consumer's. They get less expert attention as the human interface becomes order takers and cashiers. The suggestions for product they get are based on what the retailer must sell rather than what a customer may need.

Price becomes the highest consideration.

Products are designed for price points rather than function. There is less attention given to long term durability and repair ability and more attention given to lots of cheap stuff that doesn't last. The attention to detail, precision and expert construction are becoming less of a priority because they end up costing too much.

Soon the Walmart mentality will overrun most commerce and China will own our asses. We'll be standing here holding the bag wondering "wa happened?"

If anybody has any ideas about how to change this progression I'm all ears.