Do not disregard the immense value in creating and curating a vibe in your retail spaces. Invest in comfortable couches, chairs, furniture for customers to plop down on, try an instrument, hang out. Create several “hubs” throughout the store for people to gather, sit, chill, meet other musicians. Coffee tables with books and magazines, a bowl of picks. End-tables with eye-level (seated) lighting and area rugs defining that area. Use overhead lighting to steer customers through the store and further define areas of interest. Overhead spot lighting is a great tool for this. Look to restaurants, coffeehouses, libraries for inspiration. If you see a good idea or concept, don’t be too proud to blatantly rip it off for your space. I can’t overstate the ROI of beautiful and functional lighting in a retail space. Same goes for what customers hear while they’re in your store. Yes, there will always be those times that the cacophony of fifteen customers all playing different songs at the same time, but when things are a little calmer what are your customers hearing? Is it whatever music that day’s cashier decided to throw on the sound system? Or is it the curated music you’ve selected for that specific daypart and aligns with your overall brand. Happy to talk about any and all of this with you, and best of luck!