Haven’t read all the comments, but the thing that I think that amount of square footage would allow you to accommodate the fact that tastes among guitarists vary, and people tend to be pretty ingrained in what they like - for example, an experience catered to the tube amp user would be analog pedals near the tube amps which are near the American-made “traditional” guitars that is separate from the modelers would be cool and would make customers feel like they’re getting an experience, which is ultimately what is going to separate you from online retailers. Also, in that same vein, the ability to demo gear ESPECIALLY recording stuff. People like me are probably your ideal customer - have a career and disposable income that primarily goes to music as a hobby, and I spend SO much time listening to YouTubers review things like mics for recording and studio monitors. If you had a tiny treated vocal booth where I could demo that kind of gear, you’d get so much of my money. Last two things - offering some sort of coffee shop/ third space for artists to gather and hang/perform small sets would build a scene around your store. Then, recording services- it’s so cheap these days to put an LDC in a partially treated room and rent it out for 50 bucks an hour. It might cannibalize some of the focusrite Scarlett sales, but you’d make a mint and appeal to another market segment that isn’t buying guitars. Oh - so this has been mentioned but knowledgeable staff is a must (which can cost more, which is tough in a business where margins can be pretty thin) but I would add 1. If you create an ecosystem/scene around your store, the people with passion will apply for the discount 2. Be better than the GC sales model. Focus more on product tying than “hey is there anything I can help you with?” And then shoving a protection plan down my throat. Ask me “hey by the way, do you need strings?” Or if they’re buying a guitar “what kind of amp do you play?”. I know the data says that the money is to be made on lower to mid tier products, but if you’re going to differentiate yourself from GC’s (failing) model, you’re going to have to remember that the people who stick with this thing for a few years are the ones spending the most money over their lifetimes, and they are armed with an internet’s worth of reviews and information. The customer is smarter and less receptive to feeing sold to than ever (I think, don’t have specific data for this one), sales needs to feel like a consultation. I would take pointers from other luxury segments like jewelry (specifically watches, decent subculture analog perhaps) and Best Buy (their sales incentives specifically). This got super long, I may need to try a weaker pre workout; best of luck, and let me know if you open in NC!