'Best in Show' Products to Stock Your Shelves for the Holidays
It’s that time of year again! People are shopping for the holidays and looking to fulfill their musical New Year’s resolutions. So, what can you do as a retailer to help them fill their stockings and fulfill their goals?
Consider stocking some of these 2017 "Best in Show" products in your store this holiday season and in the new year. These products are the biggest, must-see innovations and breakthroughs for the year and are probably already on your customers' lists.
“Best in Show,” is the highly anticipated NAMM U Breakfast Session that closes out Sunday at The NAMM Show. Host Frank Alkyer, publisher of Music Inc. and UpBeat Daily magazines, moderates this fast-moving discussion with six music retail experts. Each expert reveals his or her picks from the show, offers hands-on demos and looks at why these products and services will make a big impact with customers. The gear is reviewed across 4 categories:
1) Best Add-ons and Accessories to add to your inventory
2) "Gotta Stock It" for must-have items every store needs
3) Companies to Watch over the next year
4) Best in Show–the all around best products for the year
Following are some highlights of which products stood out in these categories and which make standout gifts this holiday season.
Best Add-ons and Accessories
Mimke Wireless Microphone and Audio Recorder - $400
The Mimke Wireless Microphone and Audio Recorder is a perfect addition to your customer’s wish list. This portable product works great for meetings and gatherings, and fits right in your pocket. With 16GB of memory and 360 hours of audio storage, this microphone and recorder duo will serve your customers well this holiday season.
BandTool - $175
The BandTool, distributed by St. Louis Music, is the “Swiss army knife for band directors or road reps.” – George Quinlan Jr., Quinlan & Fabish. This multi-tool is the perfect stocking stuffer for band directors and road reps, and will allow them to make quick fixes right on the spot.
Other great add-ons and accessories:
Meinl Cymbal Tuners: $19.99
Ernie Ball Paradigm Guitar Strings: $14
Gator Frameworks GFW-GTR-SEAT: $69.99
Music Gifts Company Products: varying prices
Gotta Stock It
Ludwig Element Evolution Drum Set - $699
The Ludwig Element Evolution Drum Set is the perfect set for those looking to learn a new instrument as a part of their New Year Resolution. This product is ideal for both beginners and intermediate players, and comes as a complete set. Made from three of the most classic names in the drum world, this set includes Zildjian cymbals, Remo drum heads, and Ludwig drums and hardware.
American DJ Wi-Fi Pack - $99.99
The American DJ Wi-Fi Pack is the perfect gift to place under the tree.With the ability to set up a sequence in advance, users can create a light show with a single touch of a button, or control multiple amps at once. Using an app from their smartphone, your customers can control each of the eight included outlets. This product is easy to use and is extremely versatile. Easy to set-up and user friendly, this is the perfect gift for musicians and lighting technicians alike.
Music People BSK2500 Bell Kit with Stand: $245.99
Denon SC5000 Media Player: $1,549.99
Ludwig 8 x14 Black Beauty Snare: $849
Alfred, Led Zeppelin – The Complete Studio Recordings (book): $89.99
Best in Show
Hohner Mariachi Instruments -Prices Vary
Hohner Mariachi Instruments serve as a great way bring a Latin flavor to your musical collection. These affordable, high-quality instruments are a great gift to encourage family and friends to make music. These educational friendly instruments come with a lifetime warranty and are sure to excite adults and children alike. They include smooth action tuners, traditional strap buttons, and adjustable bridges, and would be a great addition to anyone’s holiday wish list.
Winning models include the Vihuela and the Guitarrón.
Fender American Professional - $1,399.99-$1,699.99
The Fender American Professional series of guitars has a guitar for everyone. These American-made guitars have a deep C neck, frets that are narrow and tall allowing for easier string bending, V-mod pickups, and a pop-in tremolo arm allows for enhanced stability. Available in many shapes and colors, this guitar is sure to catch your customers’ attention and excite them about learning or continuing to play the guitar.
Roli Blocks Modular Music Studio: $179 main unit, $80 for additions
Cannonball Vintage Reborn Roadster Limited Edition Saxophones: Varying prices
Roland EC-10M ELCajon Microphone Processor: $239.99
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII
To watch the complete Best in Show session from The 2017 NAMM Show, click here. Don’t miss this year’s Best in Show breakfast session for the next wave of hot products and accessories, happening the last morning of The NAMM Show, Sunday January 28 at 8 am in the Pacific Ballroom of the Hilton Anaheim.