This should be interesting...!

No Linn !!!

The shop isn't complete

But they do sell guitars too!

Nice concept, but nowhere near enough brands to make a long journey worthwhile. This is my gripe about many dealers, not enough brands to compare with, but I realise there is the cost of maintaining high value stocks, with a low turnover - AV stuff is far easier to shift I guess than esoteric audio gear.

I still think that the retailer who sells by home demo is the way forward, even if it means providing a there and back courier service, which I'd happily pay towards for the convenience and avoiding fuel costs / days off works etc. I on't think manipulating the DSR rules is an ethical solution by the way...

I think it's a popular method by which to stealth hoe demo stuff and return it FOC. During the conversations I had with the last 3 retailers about home demo, I told them I wouldn't exploit the DSR rules to do this, and given their appreciative response it's clearly an issue for them (as it contaminates and downgrades the saleable value of returned stock). In two cases, since I was so honest, they sent me a brand new item with a 14 day return if I didn't like it, but I would have no issue in paying for the privilege of a home demo - the difference between the new and ex-demo value for example. The third retailer incidentally sent me the demo unit, and so is expecting it back for a full refund.

EDIT - Chebby just realised your point - you misunderstand me, I wasn't suggesting the retailer is abusing the DSR regs, merely that some buyers maybe do!

This is something that some stores try and address...

AV gear is harder to shift as it is a slowly decreasing market, hence a lot of dealers trying to back into 2 channel. SOmetimes you end up losing money on AV gear when clearing discontinued stock.

Hi Guys,

You're certianly not wrong, this really is going to be intersting to say the least, good to see that we are getting noticed though, thanks Rega

I know I haven't got the most comprehensive list of different brands but my whole thinking behind HiFi lounge is to offer something a little different, so I have spent the last 4 months kitting out a converted granary and I really only want to stock the brands that I believe in personally, brands I'm passionate about, that way hopefully I can offer advice gained from personal experience from owning the products I'm selling.

We may not have the biggest portfolio, sorry, no Linn at the moment, but the brands that we are stocking I intend to carry a very large range of demo stock, which isn't easy when you have to chose from naims range of products I have to say  so we have from the PMC 21's upto the MB2i's, pretty much the whole Rega and Bryston range on demo as well as a large range from Naim.

It's a huge gamble to be honest, and I do wonder if I really am slightly mad but if I can make it work then it will be the best job going so fingers crossed.

So if anyone is curious please feel free to come along to our open weekend at the end of October and join us in a glass of bubbly to celebrate our Grand Opening

[Signature amended by Mods to comply with House Rules]

I'm genuinely surprised that AV is decreasing in favour of 2 channel.

Paul I hope it's a great success, I'd be over if I lived closer, but I'd hope that you'd be able to demo what customers want to buy, not just what you like! There's a balance between super esoteric and a "pile it high sell it cheap" outlet!

Welcome to the forums Paul and good luck with your new venture.

Yes, good luck Paul.

Hi Paul

I hope it goes well for you

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Paul !

Good to see that your first post was duo mine. 

I wish you Every success, i can not be there with you on your Grand Opening.

I'm a Portuguese fan of Rega and other UK hi-fi brands, and Aston Martin... 

All the best from Portugal!!!

Hi Paul,

Shame I am stuck in busy London, so can't make it for the opening. But wish you all the best. I like the idea.

The industry figures are something like 20% down last year, and this is backed up by the number of long standing dealers trying to get back into 2-channel. There was never much money in AV anyway, but volume sales helped. Now demand is dropping, dealers who relied on AV can no longer do so, and are trying to get back into a market they've been out of for a long time. 

Even Pioneer are finally updating their 10 year old (thereabouts) hi-fi range, and expanding on it too. Look at the growing trend of hi-fi speakers that don't have matching subs or centre speakers....

Sounds good, best of luck