83000 Sq Ft of MUSIC - New Memphis Music Mall Opens Largest In the World

Chris Lovell, along with co-owner Charles Lawing, have plans to make the new Strings & Things a sort of hub for Memphis' music community. Lovell said to a local Memphis paper, "In the face of [stores like Guitar Center and MARS], you've either got to shrink and get super specialized or get so big that you scare anyone else off." One store in Memphis closed this year and another downsized to concentrate on only band and orchestra.
Formerly a Tastee Bread factory and more recently, the Memphis Designers' Showcase mall, the store's interior will be redesigned to resemble Memphis' historic downtown streets with 19th-century-type storefronts and a brick pathway winding from one department to the next. Each storefront will represent a different instrument category -- guitars, keyboards, drums, etc. The brick path will continue to run into the

south wing where the PA and lighting department will be located. In this area, PA and lighting equipment will be fully set up for demonstrations; something Lovell feels is sorely needed in the MI business. He was quoted saying to a local newspaper, "You really need to have a space where you can set up PAs and lights so that people can see how they work and whether they meet their needs."
A courtyard in the center of the store's departments will feature natural lighting, potted trees and a stage for clinics and live performances. A Cappuccino bar will also be open for audiences gathered to see their favorite artists perform and instruct.
The majority of the south wing will be available for long-term lease to music professionals for the establishment of an entertainment production

company, a recording studio, and an artist management firm. Some of the basement level will be devoted to "Strings & Things School of Music" which will include seven practice rooms and two large ensemble rehearsal rooms. Another portion of the basement will be available for renting to local bands in need of rehearsal space.
Again, Lovell expressed his glee to a local paper, "I think we're really excited about just building something. Something that's going to be cool and special. I've done all the hardcore business stuff I need to do. Now it's time to be creative and just have some fun."

The new store is scheduled to open
July, 1999