Music Retail is still open for the time being as of March 27, 2020,
There is much uncertainty for music retailers about how long they will be able to service the needs of its customers, who, we understand might have their focus on other needs at the moment. But for the musicians who have needs in order they can continue their practice, learning and recording our industry wants to be there for you.
While your local music store may be open & desperately appreciates your support, now is not the time to be casually browsing in any shop for half an hour because you’re bored. Go to the store. We advise in the interest of all our safety, that you make your purchase and leave as soon as possible.
We feel learning an instrument & playing music is going to play an important part in sustaining your mental health & the mental health of the community. NOW is the perfect time to take up that instrument you’ve always thought you would like to but haven’t had time. There are many teaching resources online. For example check out this offer from Fender
Logistics is still an essential service so stock can still be shipped from suppliers to retail, and retailers can arrange deliveries. By online or by phone.
Some retailers may be shutting their doors and serving customers via Online only. But for those that keep a shop front open, there is a lot of effort going into keeping the store environment safe for staff and customers.
General Info
Music retailers have been advised to follow World Health Organisation procedures on personal hygiene and proximity to customers. Retailers encourage customers to phone or email enquiries to save trips to the stores. The stores must know the square metreage available and therefore using the 4m2 per person, calculate how many people are allowed in the store at once.
For the time being, most stores are maintaining their regular opening hours and they are offering the same friendly service but are cutting down on contact (sorry, no handshakes or hugs for now). Stores should regularly disinfect their demo gear. Hand sanitiser is being made available and most stores encourage payment via card rather than cash.
Should customers feel unwell (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or shortness of breath) or have recently returned from overseas, our stores ask that you refrain from visiting in store in order to ensure the safety of all customers and our team. In many cases, stores can look after you just as well if you browse our website, give them a call or email instead.
Q: Are retailers taking cash?
If they are, we have advised that The W.H.O. is advising everyone to wash their hands after using cash money, especially if handling or eating food.
To be safe, we encourage use of card machines and ideally contactless and to have a sanitiser close for team members who may handle cash. We have suggested retailers restrict cash handling to a single till in the store.
Please don’t take offence if a staff member reminds you about the protocols surrounding sneezing or coughing, especially into your hands.
Our stores would make hand sanitiser available and staff have been advised to keep a reasonable distance from customers; 1-2 metres where possible in line with government advice.
Q: What about wanting to try an instrument instore?
Many stores have implemented a No Blow policy for all brass, woodwind, harmonicas etc. You may see signs like this in store – please respect them.
You might see signs on ‘condition of entry’ that if you plan on trying an instrument you need to use the hand sanitiser provided at the entrance.
If you wish to try a guitar for example, customers should be asked to use the hand sanitiser that the store is making available. Our advice to retailers is that all customers must use hand sanitiser BEFORE they touch an instrument.
Note, when practicing your own measures, Hand sanitizer is 60+% percent alcohol which can cause clouding in lacquer finishes.
Don’t use sanitizer or wipes with alcohol directly on the guitar. But a person should use it on their hands.
Q: What actions have retailers been taking in their stores?
A: Retailers would be thoroughly cleaning doors, counters, computers, and areas where customers may touch. Instruments, especially wind, are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Observing social distancing.
Retailers are printing advice to customers and posting it around the store.
Sanitising their POS equipment. EFT keypad pads etc after use.
Providing hand sanitiser on counters in clear view and encourage customers to use it, as well as staff after they have dealt with a customer.
Keeping the customer informed of the policies in their store at this time.
Q: What about Online?
Retailers are noticing an increase in phone and email enquiries and while restrictions are in place. Online is the best and safest way to purchase during these times.
Contact the stores for product advice by phone and email.
We know as musicians that Customers who are concerned about being at home for a prolonged period maybe looking to making music to relieve stress and anxiety in these times, start that recording project or online learning course or just get some practice in.
We want to be here to help with your needs. While our stores are allowed to open, so is their Online store.
Stores are aware of best practice in packing and dispatching.
At present, most stores’ online ordering services are running as usual with their team working in their online orders department, ready for your enquiries. Some are waiving their dollar minimum purchase for free delivery and are encouraging their customers to use online so as to limit, as much as possible, the spread of the virus.
Logistics is still regarded as an essential service. Therefore, for the time being deliveries will continue. We cannot control what deliverers do, but we are confident that at the store end the goods will leave after being wiped down and sanitised before it is packed and leaves the store.
