A s we move further into the second half of 2026, the upcoming holiday selling season is most likely on the minds of most MI retailers. And if this month’s Fall Product Preview, which starts on page 35, is any indication, MI manufacturers are ramping up product offerings after a few slower years for new launches. With that, the broader retail outlook appears to support this renewed mo- mentum. According to a late-March report by the National Retail Federation (NRF), U.S. retail sales are forecasted to grow 4.4% in 2026 to approximately $5.6 trillion, a pace that outstrips the 10-year pre-pandemic average of 3.6% and signals continued consumer durability despite the chaotic economic con- ditions faced so far this year. PERSPECTIVE I BY KATIE KAILUS THE HOLIDAY CRYSTAL BALL
With this in mind, many retailers across the country, including Sweetwater, are antici- pating strong sales in the typical MI holiday best-seller categories.
“We expect to see the classic, entry-level instruments and bundles perform well, in- cluding guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, drums and band and orchestra instruments,” said Adam Crampton, Sweetwater’s director of music store operations. “We also expect sub- $400 DJ controllers, groove production gear and drum machines to be popular this year. Of course, amps and effects are a staple of the season, and we have more powerful and plentiful options than ever for every type of player.” To appeal to a wider customer base, Sweetwater plans to broaden its of- ferings outside of the usual MI categories. “We’re ramping up to have something for everyone,” Crampton said. “Head- phones are huge, and we’ll sell them to fitness enthusiasts, casual listeners and discerning studio professionals. Drones are exciting and new for us, and we expect them to be incredibly popular. Cameras will be a huge hit as well, and we expect high interest in all varieties, from point-and-shoot models to action cameras.” One MI trend worth keeping an eye on is consumers’ continued focus on value-driven purchasing. Customers aren’t necessarily spending less, but they are spending more intentionally. Products that clearly communicate quality, longevity and practical benefits are likely to resonate. Success this holiday season may also be less about any single “hot category” and more about intentional spending and the used market. Retailers who cre- ate a customer experience that goes above and beyond by telling compelling product stories, providing knowledgeable guidance from staff and creating memorable in-store experiences could be real winners come December. But, if there’s one prediction that holds steady, it’s that musicians will continue to invest in their passion. Whether it’s a first guitar, a new record- ing setup or an upgrade years in the making, the desire to create music will continue on. Retailers who meet customers with the right products, the right expertise and the right experience will be positioned to finish 2026 on a high note. MI
8 I MUSIC INC. I AUGUST 2026
Powered by FlippingBook