Hartnoll Guitars closing

guitars4you

richardhomer said:

It seems that manufacturers will eventually become retailers. I'm sure major cities could support a 'Fender Store' or 'Gibson Store' if either maker decided not to supply independents.

These are very unwelcome developments, as far as I'm concerned....

I think they've seen the Apple model with a few select major stores in big centres supported by their own on line shop - Then others like PMT and other big stores can join in with a selection to support their own business - then finish off the 'minnows'

guitars4you

ThorpyFX said:

guitars4you said:

- For example Marshall just over a year ago went from something like 400 UK outlets to around 100 - Marshall's policy not shops choice - Not trying to single out Marshall as the only 'bad boy' but same applies to nearly all major brands - Look how many big/medium size towns'cities no longer have an outlet that sells new Epiphone and Gibson Guitars - Very tough for many independents 

I wonder what prompts this decision, surely having 400 dealers was a good thing for marshall, i wonder how they'll shift the same amount of amplifiers with 1/4 of the shops?

@mgaw @Strat_a_tat_tat and @Fretwired have touched on most key points - It now means big stores like PMT, Dawsons etc etc have to commit to a larger Marshall stocking plan that covers all Marshall models so effectively no selective buying - Commit to the brand or stay away - Will now mean they have less room for other brands, so the choice of brand A, B or C will diminish

Effectively 100 stores doing it well is better than 400 half hearted efforts - as again mentioned with Richard above it is a case of taking influence from the Apple retail model

fretmeister

guitars4you said:

richardhomer said:

It seems that manufacturers will eventually become retailers. I'm sure major cities could support a 'Fender Store' or 'Gibson Store' if either maker decided not to supply independents.

These are very unwelcome developments, as far as I'm concerned....

I think they've seen the Apple model with a few select major stores in big centres supported by their own on line shop - Then others like PMT and other big stores can join in with a selection to support their own business - then finish off the 'minnows'

Fender are already selling direct to the public via the web.

No price negotiation of course, but probably quicker access to rarer colours etc.

guitars4you

fretmeister said:

Fender are already selling direct to the public via the web.

No price negotiation of course, but probably quicker access to rarer colours etc.

Don't think it is a full blown selection and not outside the USA as yet - and funnily enough not heard a shed load about it, even from USA dealers complaining - but update me otherwise 

fretmeister

guitars4you said:

fretmeister said:

Fender are already selling direct to the public via the web.

No price negotiation of course, but probably quicker access to rarer colours etc.

Don't think it is a full blown selection and not outside the USA as yet - and funnily enough not heard a shed load about it, even from USA dealers complaining - but update me otherwise 

I just put a bass in my basket.

UK price. Free delivery.

Fretwired

I thought that Fender were looking at having premium stores like Apple which sell the entire range - that would make sense to me. Apple manages to have its stores whilst still selling products through the likes of Amazon and stores like John Lewis.

blueskunk

Gutted. Jaime always seemed a nice guy, very helpful with enquiries and all round cool guy. 

guitars4you

fretmeister said:

guitars4you said:

fretmeister said:

Fender are already selling direct to the public via the web.

No price negotiation of course, but probably quicker access to rarer colours etc.

Don't think it is a full blown selection and not outside the USA as yet - and funnily enough not heard a shed load about it, even from USA dealers complaining - but update me otherwise 

I just put a bass in my basket.

UK price. Free delivery.

from a UK site ? - I can't see it

guitars4you

guitars4you said:

fretmeister said:

guitars4you said:

fretmeister said:

Fender are already selling direct to the public via the web.

No price negotiation of course, but probably quicker access to rarer colours etc.

Don't think it is a full blown selection and not outside the USA as yet - and funnily enough not heard a shed load about it, even from USA dealers complaining - but update me otherwise 

I just put a bass in my basket.

UK price. Free delivery.

from a UK site ? - I can't see it

ignore that - sussed it

guitars4you

guitars4you said:

guitars4you said:

fretmeister said:

guitars4you said:

fretmeister said:

Fender are already selling direct to the public via the web.

No price negotiation of course, but probably quicker access to rarer colours etc.

Don't think it is a full blown selection and not outside the USA as yet - and funnily enough not heard a shed load about it, even from USA dealers complaining - but update me otherwise 

I just put a bass in my basket.

UK price. Free delivery.

from a UK site ? - I can't see it

ignore that - sussed it

looks like limited models - but I dare say one day they will roll it out

TheBlueWolf

Bummer

I've never shopped with him but he was/is well liked around here.

DLM

funkyfraz said:

Wow.. I remember him opening it.

Yeah, me too.

  blueskunk said:

Gutted. Jaime always seemed a nice guy, very helpful with enquiries and all round cool guy. 

I can't say I thought he was that keen to lend a hand, myself.... http://img.memecdn.com/this-is-cruelty_c_3218911.jpg

mgaw

As @guitars4you mentioned, one by product down the line will be less exposure for other brands especially smaller boutique ones, and that gentleman of the FB is bad news for all of us.

I firmly believe that those small builders "copying" fender and gibson guitars, and doing them better than the originals were being built, have been instrumental in the upward trajectory of the big boys QC etc..i hope it doesnt end up like the acoustic world where numerous brilliant guitars are represented by a couple of shops in the UK namely TAMCO abnd TNAG cos there lies some of the greatest guitars being built today.

The Fenders of the world have the dealers over a barrel to a degree and they aint going to let that situation change any time soon

Brize

Very sad - I once bought a Gibson Custom Shop guitar from Hartnolls and they were excellent to deal with.