July 2026
THE RETAIL TECH ISSUE
Manuel Rodriguez III
26 I FROM THE TOP Manuel Rodriguez III discusses his family company’s 120-year history and shares how joining forces with GEWA has expanded his business. 36 I AGENTIC AI IN MI
How retailers are using agentic AI to streamline operations in their dealerships — and a few tips to get you on your way.
30 I THE RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS The Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center team delves into what it takes to beat the competition in today’s online age, including going in-depth on a few of the customer service strategies that helped it win “Best Customer Service” at the 2026 NAMM Retail Awards. From left: Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center’s Alan, Abbe, Adam and Samantha Levin.
40 I 4 SAAS TOOLS
TO INSTALL TODAY Four software-as-a-service tools retailers are deploying in their dealerships right now.
42 I GUITARS, AMPS & ACCESSORIES 46 I AUDIO & RECORDING 48 I DRUMS & PERCUSSION 50 I PIANOS, KEYBOARDS & SYNTHESIZERS 51 I DJ & LIGHTING
22 I IN THE TRENCHES X Cypher Shah shares his lessons learned from testing different SaaS platforms. 23 I VIEW FROM THE REPAIR BENCH X Steve France discusses the benefits of high- lighting your repair techs on socials. 24 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods advocates for using AI to build internal tools for your store.
14 I INDUSTRY PROFILES X Yamaha Guitars on celebrating 60 years.
16 I NEWS X NAMM Holds 20th Annual Fly-In
X Fender Sends Cease-and-Desist Letters X GC Names Reverb Founder to its Board X inMusic Brands Acquires Native Instruments X George’s Music Hosts Martin Guitar Night
RETAILER ASK THE 54 I ASK THE RETAILER X What’s the smartest tech investment you’ve made in the last few years?
X AlphaTheta Acquires DJ Monitor X Taylor Guitars Hires New CFO
25 I MY TURN X Rande Vick on how to turn your store into a memory making experience before Q4.
X Former Hal Leonard CEO Gifts $11M to Non-Profit X Eastman Starts Distributing Jewel Musical Ligatures
Cover photo by Emory Hensley.
8 I MUSIC INC. I JULY 2026
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