Cookes Band Instruments director Mark Hedge attributes the store’s recent growth to what he calls old-fashioned retailing, mia.org.uk reported. Hedge said he spent roughly two years reorganizing inventory, converting dead stock into cash and identifying worthwhile business areas after joining the company in 2019.
Hedge told the Music Industries Association that customer relationships built on knowledge and experience distinguish independent dealers from online sellers, noting that buyers still seek advice and the chance to try instruments. He said distributors with genuine relationships support the store well.
Cookes has expanded into sound, lighting and AV installations, a segment Hedge said can be lucrative and lends credibility to the retail sound-reinforcement side. Matthew Morrison, the founder’s son, handles most installation work, the MIA interview reported.
Hedge identified growing interest in guitar across age groups as a key opportunity and said Cookes will mark its 60th year trading from its current building next summer. He advised other independent retailers to focus on their own operations, communicate with customers and close sales rather than fixate on competitors.
For more information, visit mia.org.uk.
