----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Josh Chasin" <jchasin@nyc.rr.com>

>Wondering if anyone has any read on the retailer, Guitar Center? 
>Good rep?  What kinds of experiences have folks had with them?  Have 
>a colleague considering a venture with them.

Well, I've made several purchases from them and have no complaints. 
The store near BU is constantly packed, but it seems to have good, 
helpful, knowledgeable salespeople working the floor.  Merchandise mix 
is good and the store always looks clean and well-stocked.  Growing up 
as the son of a retail manager whose speciality was turning around 
failing locations, I've got a good eye for when a store or a chain is 
on the skids, but that radar has never been pinged when I've been in a 
Guitar Center.

On the other hand, I give Tweeter five years, max.

S