BOUTIQUE - Music Inc. Magazine

20 I MUSIC INC. I JANUARY 2011
SaM aSH MuSic i By Hilary BroWn
SAM ASH MIAMI GETS
Mike Aurigemma has unveiled his Mona
Lisa. Sam Ash Music’s director of merchandising
and special projects recently
headed an eight-month renovation of the
chain’s Miami Lakes, Fla., location. The grand
reopening was held Dec. 4, 2010.
Located in Miami Gardens, the
35,000-square-foot facility completes a
trinity of remodeled Sam Ash megastores.
The other two are located in Cerritos, Calif.,
and Las Vegas.
Among the improvements, the store’s balcony
was removed to make the inside more
visible to passers-by. Aurigemma said that he
believes the more spacious interior will let
customers engage more openly with salespeople.
Inside the remodeled Sam Ash
Music Miami Lakes, Fla., location
21ST CENTURy MAKEOvER
Other highlights include an overhauled
acoustic room, which now boasts rows of
pristine showcases. Decorative red trim lines
the chain’s white slatwall. The drum department
is fronted by a professional stage, which
will be used for live clinics, performances
and additional merchandising. The remodel
also creates space for more stock, and Aurigemma
said the store will boost its guitar,
pro audio and lighting selection.
“This store redefines what a megastore
is,” Aurigemma said. “It’s essentially a new
store within the old store.”
He added that he hopes the project will
serve as a catalyst to revamp Sam Ash stores
throughout the country.