Guitar Center to open Times Square flagship

Los Angeles -- Guitar Center will open a flagship in Manhattan’s Times Square on Aug. 7.



The store is located in the original New York Times building. Designed by Eight Inc., the space will offer a high-energy, hands-on environment in which customers are encouraged to interact with the wide selection of instruments and staff.



In addition, the store will feature an in-house lesson facility (Guitar Center Studios), free classes on recording, in-house rental department, a hands-on electronic music department, and onsite guitar repair service, called GC Garage.



Innovative features unique to the new location include a Fender custom shop where craftsmen will tailor guitars to unique specifications. Top-of-the-line, high-end luxury guitars will be showcased in the Platinum Club.



"Joining the caliber of retailers that have established a presence in Times Square over the years is a huge accomplishment and a statement as to how far the brand has come," said Mike Pratt, CEO, Guitar Center, which operates some 260 stores nationwide. "By opening a Guitar Center in such a visible, high-traffic area as Times Square, we are able to open more eyes to the inherent joy that comes from playing an instrument.”