Just announced in a trade magazine that Chandler Guitars will be closing - This was the first UK Boutique store in the UK that introduced brands like PRS, Anderson, Schecter and Seymour Duncan to the UK when no one knew what they were
I recall those old adverts in guitar magazines and always read their ad to see what was new and interesting
I suppose after Doug and Charlie left it was always going to be tough to replace their influence - Add to that the changing face of how business is now conducted coupled with high overheads and I suppose enough is enough - It is fair to say they have not been the influence in the last 10 years or so that they previously were, but still sad to see another quality independent close down
Comments
I dread to think how much I've spent in there over the years - well into 5 figures
I think they were very important in getting Lazy J off the ground as well. The early amps sold by word of mouth to people in and around Chandlers. The shop also gave people a chance to try them as well - which is important.
Hope Al and Neil and everyone will be ok..
They have stuff you wouldn't see anywhere else.
And it it smells like a proper guitar shop.
I can't help about the shape I'm in, I can't sing I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to
I love bricks and mortar shops - this is probably the most significant closure yet. Let's hope there aren't any more....
With the second hand stuff most of it is sale or return. They put their commission rates up a while back, but with the high commission rates people are asking high prices to compensate. I think that was a mistake when Charlie's commission rates, and New Kings Road's rates are a lot lower.