Inside Sam Ash Music's renovated Miami Lakes, Fla., location

DEC. 15 I SAM ASH MUSIC I RENOVATION I BY HILARY BROWN
Sam Ash Miami Gets 21st Century Makeover

Mike Aurigemma has unveiled his Mona Lisa. Sam Ash Music's director of merchandising and special projects recently headed an eight-month renovation of the chain's Miami Lakes, Fla., location. The grand reopening was held Dec. 4, 2010.

Located in Miami Gardens, the 35,000-square-foot facility completes a trinity of remodeled Sam Ash megastores. The other two are located in Cerritos, Calif., and Las Vegas.

Among the improvements, the store's balcony was removed to make the inside more visible to passers-by. Aurigemma said that he believes the more spacious interior will let customers engage more openly with salespeople.

Other highlights include an overhauled acoustic room, which now boasts rows of pristine showcases. Decorative red trim lines the chain's white slatwall. The drum department is fronted by a professional stage, which will be used for live clinics, performances and additional merchandising. The remodel also creates space for more stock, and Aurigemma said the store will boost its guitar, pro audio and lighting selection.

"This store redefines what a megastore is," Aurigemma said. "It's essentially a new store within the old store."

He added that he hopes the project will serve as a catalyst to revamp Sam Ash stores throughout the country.