Round Hill Music, a dynamic company spearheaded by Josh Gruss, backed by private equity and managing over b.1 billion in music assets, has recently established a notable presence in the form of a physical music store located in Greenwich, Connecticut. This strategic move not only enhances the company’s visibility but also enriches the local music community.

The newly opened 1,100-square-foot store offers a curated selection of high-end guitars and amplifiers, along with an extensive collection of vinyl records and various music-related merchandise. According to Gruss, the store is designed to cater to the entire family, enhancing the shopping experience for customers of all ages. Gruss, who serves as the CEO of Round Hill Music, also oversees a diverse catalog of music rights, encompassing works from renowned artists such as Bobby Darin, Brittany Howard, Gil Scott-Heron, and many others, as detailed on the company’s official website.

While the primary goal was to establish a guitar store, Gruss emphasizes the importance of creating an inviting space that appeals to families. “If parents come in with a son looking for a guitar, perhaps the mother will also find a shirt or a candle,” Gruss shares. For instance, a recent family visited with their 4-year-old daughter, and they were delighted to discover a suitable kid’s guitar for her. Although high-end guitars and amplifiers are the store’s main focus, it aims to offer a diverse range of products that cater to everyone’s interests. The inventory also includes sunglasses, rock ’n’ roll t-shirts, handmade jean jackets, art, and even unique collectibles like an ashtray.

Interestingly, in the initial weeks of operation, the strength of the record store segment has exceeded expectations, according to Gruss. The shop boasts approximately 1,500 new vinyl albums, which have unexpectedly turned out to be a key selling point. “Everyone adores music, and vinyl has made a remarkable comeback,” Gruss notes. While he initially hoped vinyl would serve as a secondary attraction, it has surprisingly become the primary draw for customers. He mentions that about 20% of their vinyl inventory is selling each week, with the top seller being a local jam band named Goose, which has generated significant interest among visitors.

In envisioning the Round Hill Music store, Gruss drew inspiration from cherished memories of his youth. “As a child, I loved exploring guitar stores, especially those located on 48th Street in Manhattan,” he reminisces, referring to the iconic street that was once home to numerous musical instrument shops. This area, known as Music Row from the 1960s through the 1990s, featured famous stores like Manny’s Music, which left a lasting impression on him.

“Even today, I make it a point to visit guitar stores when traveling to cities like Stockholm and Paris,” Gruss adds, emphasizing how his experiences have shaped his vision of what an ideal guitar store should encompass.

The spark to realize his dream came during the COVID pandemic. “While navigating through town during the height of the pandemic, I noticed a ‘for sale’ sign on this building,” he recalls. “With a contrarian mindset, I thought this could be an opportunity to secure a good deal.” After acquiring the building, he began planning for the guitar store, filling a niche that Greenwich, despite its wealth of retail options, had yet to address.

When conceptualizing the Round Hill Music store, Gruss aimed to differentiate it from mainstream retailers like Guitar Center, which dominate the musical instruments market in the U.S. To achieve this, he positioned the store as a high-end boutique, aligning with Greenwich’s affluent demographic. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Greenwich is frequently recognized as one of the wealthiest communities in the country, boasting a median household income of $180,000 as of 2021.

While the store features many affordable and well-known guitar brands, it also showcases more exclusive items. For example, it offers a stunning $20,000 replica of “Greeny,” a 1959 Les Paul Standard guitar famously owned by Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green. This iconic instrument, which changed hands to Gary Moore of Thin Lizzy and later to Kirk Hammett of Metallica, was reproduced by the Gibson Custom shop, with only 50 replicas made as part of a limited-edition series. Gruss aims for the store to be a sanctuary for both musicians and collectors, while also appealing to younger consumers with beginner-friendly guitars. In addition to guitars, the store offers premium speakers from brands like Devialet and Transparent, and trendy apparel from Madeworn, Daydreamer, and Rowdy Sprout.

Gruss envisions Round Hill Music as a welcoming environment, distinct from the often intimidating atmosphere found at Guitar Center. “We strive to create a space where everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to sit down and play,” he explains. He believes that Guitar Center’s sales staff can sometimes create a pressure-filled experience for customers, often assessing potential buyers based on their financial capability. In contrast, Round Hill Music aims to foster an atmosphere that welcomes all ages, providing opportunities for young music enthusiasts to enjoy the same positive experiences he had in his youth at similar stores. Furthermore, Gruss hopes to create a vibrant community hub where music lovers can connect and share their passion.

To ensure that Round Hill Music is effectively merchandised and provides a welcoming atmosphere, Gruss emphasizes the importance of having a knowledgeable staff, highlighting John Mahoney, the store’s operations manager, as a key asset. Gruss credits the success of his vision to a dedicated team comprised of individuals with extensive retail experience, many of whom previously worked at other music instrument stores, including Sam Ash. Currently, the store employs six staff members who share a passion for music and commitment to customer service.

During the store’s grand opening event, Gruss showcased what he believes will be vital for the store’s ongoing success: an in-store stage. This stage was recently utilized by the Mike Stern Band, who delivered an electrifying performance that captivated the audience. “We plan to host numerous in-store events featuring emerging songwriters and local talents,” Gruss states, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the music community.

Gruss also intends to leverage the store to promote the Round Hill Music catalog, with a dedicated section featuring albums from artists and songwriters represented by the music-asset company. This includes works from renowned bands such as Soul Coughing, System Of A Down, and Neon Trees. “The store serves as a fantastic way to expand the Round Hill network,” he explains, noting that it will significantly benefit the overall business.