West L.A. Music acquired by Guitar Center

[musicman691]

Was over in another forum and read that apparently West LA Music has been acquired by Guitar Center. Here's the text of an email that was sent out:

We are pleased to announce that West LA Music has been acquired by Guitar Center.

Our last day in business will be this Saturday, August 4th.

To thank you for you loyal patronage, we are offering our entire inventory at liquidation prices now through Saturday. Please stop in or call this week to take advantage of cost and below cost deals on guitars, amps, drums, keyboards, mics, music software, recording equipment, PA gear and accessories, plus hundreds of demos, used, discontinued and closeout items at huge savings.

All store fixtures will be sold.

We are truly honored to have served you for the past 46 years.

Our staff will be joining Guitar Center, and will continue serving you with Guitar Center’s vast inventory and convenient locations.

Sincerely,

The entire West L.A. Music staff

[John_Toolbox]

No Way!

[getz76]

Stinks for the consumer, but good for the owners and glad they were able to place their staff as part of the deal.

[kdubyou]

Sad to see them go. I have shopped there for years.

GC did not acquire them, though. From GC's Facebook page:

A large Southern California competitor of ours, West LA Music, has decided to close its doors forever on August 4th. We have nothing but respect for their competitive spirit and the tremendous contribution they have made to the LA music scene over decades. It's been reported that we have acquired them, but that's not so. We have reached an agreement, however, to acquire most of their inventory, and they're working with us to help their customers smoothly transition their music gear needs to nearby Guitar Center stores. In addition we’ve been talking to many of West LA’s talented employees about joining Guitar Center.

Another one bites the dust...

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by kdubyou

Sad to see them go. I have shopped there for years.

GC did not acquire them, though. From GC's Facebook page:

A large Southern California competitor of ours, West LA Music, has decided to close its doors forever on August 4th. We have nothing but respect for their competitive spirit and the tremendous contribution they have made to the LA music scene over decades. It's been reported that we have acquired them, but that's not so. We have reached an agreement, however, to acquire most of their inventory, and they're working with us to help their customers smoothly transition their music gear needs to nearby Guitar Center stores. In addition we’ve been talking to many of West LA’s talented employees about joining Guitar Center.

Another one bites the dust...

Not disputing what you quote and what spin GC is putting on it but it did seem strange from what I quoted in my original post. I mean, what would GC have to gain from buying what is to them (GC) a relatively small operation like West LA? Another store location? It's not like West LA had some store specific product only they sold and GC wanted it. I'm suspecting the truth of what's happening is somewheres in between what GC and West LA are publicly stating. Would be interesting to hear from store personnel at West LA.

As far as acquiring any leftover stock if West LA goes fire sale/liquidation in their pricing there's not going to be much pickings left for GC. Then again that depends on what kind of offer GC made. And as far as talented employees - anything GC gets from West LA will be head & shoulders above the usual salesdroids GC has. I only go to GC for guitar strings and drum sticks when I'm near one.

[kdubyou]

I agree that the truth is likely between the spins. Over at Drummerworld, two posters who are locals and generally "in the know" said:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/s....php?p=1030112
and
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/s....php?p=1030138

Perhaps "we've been acquired" has a better ring to it than "we're done and closing down." As for the inventory, from a really quick look at the liquidation list, it looks like what's left might be what GC did not want. I agree about the talent level of the WLA employees vs that of GC.

I'm heading up there today to say my goodbyes to those I know who are still there. Still sad to see it go.

Kevin

[myke2242]

i sure hope this will be the beginning of a new GC pro division. everyone know GC is a joke and avoided at all cost!

[Top Jimmy]

Originally Posted by myke2242

i sure hope this will be the beginning of a new GC pro division. everyone know GC is a joke and avoided at all cost!

It's not GC per se, rather its the inexperienced sales staff just graduated from the local community college recording program. I've run into a few on staff who were worthwhile, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule.

[kdubyou]

"Avid," thanks for changing the quoted text to links. I assume that is how you want it done and I will do so in the future.

Cheers,

Kevin

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by myke2242

. everyone know GC is a joke and avoided at all cost!

what GC is a great place to get CABLES!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂