After a two-year hiatus, KMC Music is pulling out all of the stops at NAMM 2016 (#5952 Hall B).
According to KMC Music President Mark Terry, “NAMM 2016 marks our return to the main show floor and we want our dealers to know that we’re on the floor for a reason — to introduce dozens of new products from dozens of new brands, backed up by a year-long series of dealer programs that are going to help dealers grow their sales all during the new year.”
Vice President of Merchandising Roger Hart added that products from at least 18 new manufacturers will be introduced at the show. Major new introductions will be made from Washburn, Warwick, Hagstrom, Oscar Schmidt, Framus, Digitech, Framus and QuikLok. New models from Paiste and Supro are also expected. Manuel Rodriguez Guitars, Aalberg Audio pedals, Rhythm Tech, Hit Man and Aclam will all make their debut as part of the KMC Music family of brands. “Every major instrument and accessory category will be strongly represented at the booth with new products and new programs designed to get our dealers off and running to a fast start in 2016,” Hart emphasized.
Programs and dealer support are equally important, according to Vice President of Sales James Tsaptsinos. “Our goal is to open the show with the very best year-long series of dealer programs that feature discounts of major brand franchise programs, discounts on KMC online orders, and great payment terms that feature extended terms for new and returning accounts,” Tsaptsinos explained.
In reflecting on the year just ending, Mark Terry stressed how much has been accomplished in such a short period of time.
“We strengthened our regional sales management team with three key appointments, added 18 new brands to our portfolio, moved offices, changed phone systems, changed computer hardware and software systems, created a new KMC online e-commerce site, and moved two warehouses,” said Terry. “For our eight acre warehouse and distribution center in Southaven MS, we hired 60 new employees, installed half a million pounds of racking, laser scanners, 2500 feet of automated conveyors, unloaded and stocked 20,000 SKUs and more than 200 shipping containers of product. I am very proud to say that, after facing a few setbacks, this remarkable new facility is now operating at a 97-percent fill rate with 24-hour shipping on received orders. This bodes very well for our dealers in 2016.”