Guitar Center

Guitar Center is the largest retailer of musical instruments and related equipment in the United States, with a presence that spans the country and serves everyone from aspiring musicians to seasoned professionals. The company began in 1959 when Wayne Mitchell opened The Organ Center in Hollywood, California. It adopted the Guitar Center name in 1964, aligning itself with the surge in popularity of rock music and the electric guitar. Over the years, Guitar Center has grown from a single storefront into a national chain, building its reputation through both organic expansion and the acquisition of specialty retailers, such as Music & Arts, which broadened its reach into the band and orchestral segment.

As of November 2025, Guitar Center operates around 300 stores across 46 states. These locations are found in both major metropolitan areas and secondary markets, and the company continues to look for new opportunities in cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle. In recent years, Guitar Center has focused on relocating select stores to higher-traffic centers and remodeling existing locations to better serve local demand. The company has also expanded its lesson and rental programs, aiming to create more experiential retail environments that encourage community engagement and repeat visits.

Guitar Center’s approach has evolved significantly in the past five years. The company has invested heavily in omnichannel integration, blending its in-store experience with a robust e-commerce platform. This allows customers to shop seamlessly across physical and digital channels. The brand is also known for adapting its store formats to fit a variety of retail settings, from large anchor spaces in power centers to flexible footprints in urban corridors.

Ownership by Ares Management since 2014 has provided stability and resources for continued growth. Guitar Center’s leadership team brings deep expertise in retail operations and the music industry, guiding the company through both expansion and challenging periods, including a successful restructuring following its 2020 bankruptcy filing. Today, Guitar Center stands out for its scale, brand recognition, and willingness to adapt to changing market conditions, making it a dependable and dynamic tenant for a wide range of retail environments.