(more than twice as big, to be exact) That's right, after over 35 years in our current building, the time has come to pick up and move to a bigger space. Here's the condensed version of the 'whole story'.
When our current building was built in 1976, Phillips (Piano Company at that time) only used half of it - about 1500 square feet. The other half was occupied for several years by Sooner Guitar Company, which was OK since at that time we only sold pianos and organs, adding keyboards, PA gear, and school music instruments over the next 10 years or so. When Sooner Guitar owner 'Big Mike' Griffin moved to Nashville, we added guitars and combo gear to the product mix. It became necessary, after a year with another tenant in the other half, to expand into the whole building in 1986.
Over the next few years, new lines were added, pianos were closed out, and things were good. When current owner David Jackson bought the business in 1998, he felt good about the location and signed a lease that meant staying put for 10 years. As time passed, new product lines and categories were added, additional space was leased right next door to accommodate a lessons program in 2007, and just last year we acquired the PA rental and store inventory of a local former competitor as they transitioned to another part of the state. With the addition of two BIG product lines and lots of awesome customers, things were rearranged a lot, but it was beginning to get a bit congested when you had a store full of people.
To make a long story a bit shorter, after much prayer and deliberation, the decision was made to follow what had to be God's leading and in July 2012, we will begin the next chapter in our journey as we move to 107 SW Sheridan Road (right next to Wayne's Drive-Inn) - not even a mile away from where we are now, but a huge leap in terms of in-store space. Everything will be under one roof - lessons, warehouse, PA rental gear, and retail space. Several departments will get a long overdue expansion of floor space - specifically Pro Audio and Band and Orchestra sections. We're excited about having a 'blank slate' to play with in terms of layout, and things will be a bit less than orderly for a little while, but the end result will be a better experience for everybody, especially our customers.
Come join us as we get ready for what will be another amazing Summer!