Mail order stereo equipment
The nostalgia! Mail-order stereo equipment was a popular way to purchase audio gear in the pre-internet era. Here's a brief history and some notable mail-order stereo equipment retailers:
History
In the 1950s and 1960s, mail-order stereo equipment became a convenient way for consumers to purchase audio gear without having to visit a physical store. This was especially true for people living in rural areas or those who preferred to shop from the comfort of their own homes. Mail-order retailers would send catalogs to customers, showcasing their products with detailed descriptions, prices, and ordering information.
Notable Mail-Order Stereo Equipment Retailers
- Stereo Exchange (founded in 1955): One of the pioneers of mail-order stereo equipment, Stereo Exchange offered a wide range of products, including amplifiers, speakers, turntables, and tape decks.
- Audio Advisor (founded in 1962): Audio Advisor was another well-known mail-order retailer that catered to audiophiles and music enthusiasts. They offered high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamps, and speakers.
- Circuit City (founded in 1949): Although Circuit City was primarily a brick-and-mortar retailer, they also had a mail-order division that sold stereo equipment.
- Best Buy (founded in 1966): Best Buy, another well-known electronics retailer, also had a mail-order division that sold stereo equipment, including speakers, amplifiers, and turntables.
- Sound Advice (founded in 1967): Sound Advice was a mail-order retailer that specialized in high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamps, and speakers.
How it Worked
To order stereo equipment from a mail-order retailer, customers would:
- Receive a catalog in the mail, which would showcase the available products.
- Choose the desired products and fill out an order form.
- Send the order form and payment (usually by check or money order) to the retailer.
- Wait for the products to arrive at their doorstep.
The Rise and Fall of Mail-Order Stereo Equipment
The rise of the internet and online shopping in the 1990s and 2000s led to a decline in the popularity of mail-order stereo equipment retailers. Many of these retailers struggled to adapt to the new online landscape and eventually went out of business. Today, online retailers like Amazon and specialty audio websites have largely replaced the traditional mail-order stereo equipment retailers.