From left: Fred Myers Pianos' David Myers, Sweetwater's Chuck Surack, Yamaha's Don Smith, Yamaha's Bob Heller, pianist Mike Garson (on the TV screen), Yamaha marketing consultant Craig Knudsen and Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry

AUG. 15 I SWEETWATER I RENOVATION
Sweetwater Expands Retail Store

Sweetwater Sound celebrated the grand opening of its expanded retail store on Aug. 2 at the company's campus in Fort Wayne, Ind. The expansion is the result of Sweetwater recently becoming the exclusive authorized Yamaha piano and Clavinova dealer in the region, including northeastern Indiana, northwestern Ohio and south-central Michigan.

A press conference, which included Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Yamaha National Sales Director Bob Heller and Sweetwater President Chuck Surack, featured a torch-passing from now-closed Fred Myers Pianos owner David Myers, who held the local Yamaha dealership for 28 years, to Surack. Heller also presented a plaque of appreciation to David Myers in recognition of many years of support from Fred Myers Pianos.

The original Sweetwater retail space, which was completed in 2006, has undergone numerous improvements since opening. The company added an additional 3,500 square feet to the store, almost doubling its size to 7,500 square feet in order to accommodate the new piano and keyboard inventory.

With the expansion, Sweetwater has also introduced interactive displays and technology, improving customer service and the overall purchase and checkout process.

"The grand opening formally acknowledges Sweetwater as the largest retailer of pianos and keyboards in the region," Surack said. "Our expanded retail store is now the largest in northern Indiana selling music instruments and audio technology."