Few MI products invite hands-on discovery quite like pedals, making creative pedal dis- plays one of the most engaging ways to draw customers in. Here, we showcase three pedal displays from retailers across the country to inspire fellow dealers as they think about their own setups. — By Kimberly Kapela
SWEETWATER Fort Wayne, Indiana
staples that we expect to have in place, but we want to rotate in any new brands, any new pedals, keep the most relevant things out, and we’re doing that daily. In addition to keeping things relevant, we have about 1,100 pedals on display, so it takes a lot to keep on top of it.” When Sweetwater unveiled its signifi- cantly expanded retail space in June 2021, the pedal display was a centerpiece of the new build. Staff collaborated with a local metal fabrication shop just 10 miles from the Fort Wayne campus to construct the custom display system, emphasizing acces- sibility and visual impact. Its sleek industrial layout includes metal frames and shelving lined with hard rub- ber padding to protect gear, paired with
wood cabinetry beneath for storage. Unlike traditional glass-case retail setups, Sweet- water’s display encourages customers to physically engage with the gear. The pedals are within arm’s reach and are ready to be picked up, plugged in and tested on nearby demo stations. “We have a spotlight section of our display, so it’s the first thing that you see when you walk in the door, and those pedals are the newest ones, so those tend to get a lot of attention,” Crampton said. “On the backside of our pedal wall, there are used or pre-owned pedals, and those ro- tate frequently — like every 30 days. Our regulars go straight to that section to see what’s new and they can get a good deal on, as well.” MI
Known for housing one of the largest in-store pedal displays in the country, online giant Sweetwater’s Fort Wayne brick-and- mortar has turned what could be an over- whelming wall of gear into an immersive, ever-evolving playground for both beginner and advanced players. With more than 1,100 pedals spanning vintage finds, pre-owned rarities, and brand- new releases, Sweetwater’s pedal section is in constant motion, rotated daily, making sure that every visit offers something new, even for the most frequent regulars. “We’re always moving them,” said Adam Crampton, Sweetwater’s director of music store operations. “There’s certainly some
40 I MUSIC INC. I MAY 2026
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