La Grande Stereo and Music is a long standing music, a/v, car stereo, and instrument shop that has been a mainstay in La Grande for a long time. Owner Mike Mallory and his son Chris run the store specializing in all genres of music and music related video items, and what they can't fit into this small shop, they can get within two business days on order. Also, this is the only place in town that provides two services, musical instrument sales and service, and car audio/video/sercurity installation. The instrument selection is great, consisting mostly of guitar and drum equipment, and Mike, being a former professional musician, knows good stuff and keeps it in stock, professional audio equipment is also on hand and orderable. The car audio selection is slim, but is better fare than that of the local Wal-Mart, which winds up being the only direct competitor in this area. LGS&M has the usual car audio brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, and they are a liscensed dealer for Rockford Fosgate, and really push that. Home A/V equipment is slim but good stuff, again, offereing more and better equipment than Wal-Mart. Components for home a/v plus most accessories this is where to go locally for "the good stuff".
La Grande Stereo and Music's only two drawbacks are the following:
They are overpriced. Everything that comes in and out of the doors there has a large markup, I know that may be due to overhead and the fact that they are not a direct retail supplier for any one brand. But in todays internet marketplace, and when having to compete with Wal-Mart and other massive chain stores, price is key.
Only the owner and family seem to really be helpful. Other employees do not have good business skills and can be a bit abrasive, making some trips not enjoyable.
Non liscensed/professionally trained car audio installers. Usually this isn't a problem, as the lead employee in this area is very good, sometimes there are issues with quality and/or attention to the work done in the install shop.
LGS&M is a great place to go to get a change from Wal-Mart, and THE place to go to get good, quality components and accessories (although at a elevated price), and being able to talk to Mike and Chris make it all worth while.
more