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Jerry Brandehoff, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer, Guitar Center.
Katie Kailus, Editor,
Music Inc.
“Guitar Center on the Evolution of Music Retail” promotional graphic


PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Clyne Media, Inc.
Tel: (615) 662-1616

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Inside the Future of Music Retail: Guitar Center EVP Jerry Brandehoff at NAMM 2026

A candid conversation on innovation, store evolution, and how Guitar Center is redefining the musician experience

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIF., January 16, 2026 – Guitar Center, the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, will present a featured NAMM session examining the future of music retail with Jerry Brandehoff, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer, in conversation with Music Inc. editor Katie Kailus. The session will take place Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1:00–1:30 PM PST at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, California Ballroom A.

The discussion, titled “Guitar Center on the Evolution of Music Retail,” will explore how Guitar Center is driving transformation across the customer experience—from digital innovation and accelerated product launches to store evolution and deeper community engagement. Brandehoff will share how merchandising strategy, technology, and culture are coming together to empower musicians at every level and inspire the next generation of creators. Drawing from real-time transformation inside one of the industry’s most visible brands, the conversation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at what’s changing, what’s working, and what’s next for music retail.

Topics Include:

  • How the traditional retail model is evolving and what the store of the future looks like
  • How technology is transforming the retail experience, including helping musicians find the right gear
  • Looking ahead five years, what innovations or cultural shifts will define music retail
  • What Brandehoff is most excited about for NAMM 2026
  • And more

“As music retail evolves, our responsibility is to anticipate how musicians discover, connect with, and experience gear—both online and in our stores,” said Jerry Brandehoff. “Our focus is on innovation, access, and relevance, ensuring we deliver the right products, experiences, and inspiration to support creativity across every channel.”

Moderated by Music Inc. editor Katie Kailus, the session will provide a candid look at leadership, relevance, and the forces shaping the next era of music retail. “Guitar Center has a unique vantage point on where the market is heading,” said Katie Kailus. “This conversation with Jerry will offer valuable insight into how merchandising, innovation, and culture intersect to shape the future of the music retail ecosystem.”

The session is part of NAMM 2026’s official educational programming and is open to registered NAMM attendees.

For more information about this NAMM Session click HERE.

Photo File 1: JerryBrandehoff.jpg
Photo Caption 1: Jerry Brandehoff, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer, Guitar Center.

Photo File 2: KatieKailus.jpg
Photo Caption 2: Katie Kailus, Editor, Music Inc.

Photo File 3: NS26_PromoTiles_Session_MusicRetailGuitarCenter_1920x1080_All.jpg
Photo Caption 3: “Guitar Center on the Evolution of Music Retail” promotional graphic

ABOUT GUITAR CENTER:
Guitar Center is the leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the U.S. With more than 300 stores across the U.S. and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 60 years. Guitar Center also provides customers with various musician-based services, including Guitar Center Lessons, where musicians of all ages and skill levels can learn to play a variety of instruments in many music genres, GC Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repairs service, and GC Rentals, a program offering easy rentals of instruments and other sound reinforcement gear. Additionally, Guitar Center’s sister brands include Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band & orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician’s Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. For more information about Guitar Center, please visit guitarcenter.com. 

Press Contact
robert@clynemedia.com
media@guitarcenter.com 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

 










 

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