Walmart the Next GC?

[gtrdaddy]

So we all know Walmart sells some inexpensive gear here and there, like the Behringer line. I heard through the grapevine recently that they are in talks with some manufacturers and possibly looking into having musical instrument and guitar effects departments in their stores next to electronics or something. How would this affect your buying habits? Imagine this: grocery shopping, pick up some cereal, the dog food, oh, wait! There's a new Gibson! Talk about a spike in impulse buying! My wife wouldn't ever let me go grocery shopping again(a good thing ;-)) That or she would tell me to start shopping at Kroger again!

[saltydogg]

Don't think I'd be quick to buy a Gibson from Walmart but, pedals, strings and things would be nice.

[eschoendorff]

I don't buy meat at Walmart and I sure as hell won't buy musical gear.

[chrisjane]

Originally Posted by eschoendorff

I don't buy meat at Walmart and I sure as hell won't buy musical gear.

[FlyingDutchman]

Id buy the run of the mill Line 6, Boss, Digitech type stuff from Wal-Mart. Probably be a good place to get Planet Waves accessories and Elixir strings for a good price.

[Tone_Terrific]

Originally Posted by eschoendorff

I don't buy meat at Walmart and I sure as hell won't buy musical gear.

But...you know where the gear comes from

[Cymbaline]

They already sell strings (GHS Boomers) and picks there.

[gtrdaddy]

Originally Posted by Tone_Terrific

But...you know where the gear comes from

[RJC1811]

I hate Walmart. I certainly don't grocery shop there. In some spot checks I have found a lot of their products higher priced than our fantastic local grocery store Wegman's. I only shop at Walmart if it's my only option. Having a generic line of guitars wouldn't draw me a bit. The only plus would be the availability of strings, cords, tuners etc. after the local shop closed.

[SteveO]

I'm one of those people who will not step foot in a Wal-Mart, so it won't affect me at all.

[stratovarius]

Originally Posted by SteveO

I'm one of those people who will not step foot in a Wal-Mart, so it won't affect me at all.

Maybe not, but Wal Mart is a market mover and could affect many things in the overall market that we all routinely complain about.

[gixxerrock]

It seems like an odd move. I thought Wallmart only dealt in high volume mainstream consumer products. Isn't guitar gear a relatively low volume niche market? It seems like very few places would support the $$/sq ft required to justify the shelf space.

[Old Tele man]

...I'm waiting for Waly-World to buy & sell unique products & services from Texas's famous CHICKEN RANCH -- say "hi" to Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton for me (wink,wink).

[Papajuice]

It hasn't work out real well for Best Buy. I think most people just don't feel comfortable buying something like this from anything other than a music store.

[bluesking55]

if they do, u wont be able to haggle prices..... I dont think it will go over 2 well