Music Trade Review

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Include Modernizing the
Piano Store in Postwar Plans
by PETER COPELAND
Architect and Industrial Designer, New York, N. Y.
Peter Copeland, architect and in-
dustrial designer of New York City,
has here explained his plans for
interior modernization of a medium
sized piano store.
Mr. Copeland is at present engaged
in plans for merchandising remodel-
ing of a number of retail stores. He
also specializes in designing many
nationally known products in the
musical instrument, radio and appli-
ance field.
As a student of architecture in
1931 he received the first prize of
$5,000 in a competition of radio de-
sign held by Westinghouse Co. In
1936 he also won second prize in the
New York World's Fair Competition,
and he designed the Fashion Build-
ing at the World's Fair of 1939-40.
—Editor's Note.
HE postwar era will bring about
keen competition between the
retail piano store and the music
tenters of the large department store.
Already, most department stores all
over the country are planning ahead
for exciting new merchandising ideas.
Therefore, the necessity for remodel-
ing the retail piano store becomes of
T
vital importance at this time.
In the past few years, stores selling
pianos and other musical instruments
have fallen behind in the field of ade-
quate merchandise presentation. Many
new ideas developed in the allied field
of radio and television can be put to
practical use by the alert retail piano
merchant. Through the use of more
modern presentation, he will be able
to give a "lift" to the piano business
which has been essentially a conserva-
tive operation.
Large Window Essential
The exterior of the retail piano
store, while maintaining a quiet digni-
fied appearance, should be opened up
with large glass windows so that the
passer-by obtains an over-all view of
the shop. This aspect is important
especially at night when with the use
of dramatic spot lighting, the whole
shop has the look of a display.
The first floor in a store of this
type should be planned so as to pro-
vide a suitable background for each
model. These backgrounds through
PETER
COPELAND
the use of various decorative materi-
als, high spot color arrangements and!
period detail in relation to the par-
ticular model, will heighten the indi-
vidual effect of each piano displayed.
Walls and ceilings should be treated"
with one of the various acoustical
materials which are readily accessible.
Floors should be carpeted.
The general light of this floor, and
for that matter all selling floors,
should be fluorescent or cold Cathode
light. This lighting is supplemented
by pin-point spotlighting of the indi-
vidual models.
d ill) i t . juJJi
Reception Room in Rear
Suggested store front for modernized
24
piano
wareroom
At the rear of the first floor, there
should be a reception area for clients
who wish to discuss the terms of a
sale. If there is space enough, it
would be advisable to have one or two
small, private consultation rooms
where the salesman can take his client.
Also, towards the rear of the store,
there should be a sheet music depart-
ment arranged with adequate display
space for interesting exhibits of mem-
orabilia of various composers. This
material can be used in connection
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW, MARCH, 1945