Far and away the biggest chain of it’s kind in New Zealand with – currently - 22 stores nationwide, the Rockshop Group continues to expand both the number and size of its outlets and roster of the world’s best brands of Musical instruments and Equipment. Since establishment in 1986, growth has been dramatic with the Rockshop Group undoubtedly the industry and market leader.

The Rockshop has become a household name, synonymous with professional sales and service, the best available products, committed staff, innovative presentation, superior locations and a proactive commitment to local artists and the NZ Music Industry as whole through partnerships such as Rockquest and Play it Strange.

The Group’s mission statement is simple “Best Prices, Best Service, Best Products, Best Deals – Guaranteed”. It is within this simple framework that the group has flourished, driven by the desire to be the best.. and stay the best.

The NZ Rockshop Group continues to dominate the NZ market through its market leading brand support, professional approach and commitment to providing musicians of all levels with the best possible deals, service and products.

Background

In 1986, Company Managing Director – Mick Webb - after immigrating to NZ, recognised the music industry in NZ was poorly serviced and run, over protected, little selection was available, often inferior and overpriced locally made products dominated the market. It was an industry disinterested in innovation or change.

Drawing on extensive experience operating successful music retail in the UK and Europe, Mick felt NZ and musicians, were ready for the European way of trading.

Forming a partnership with Paul Skipper, Mick took over a run down music store in central Auckland and from there set about dramatically altering the way music retail was conducted in NZ. Products were bought in bulk, heavily discounted and promoted with aggressive and innovative marketing. 2 years later Torey Leggett and Brett Wells joined the Rockshop, growing with the business to become directors, adding experience and commitment to the senior team.

From those humble beginnings, this (then) radical approach led to expansion less than 2 years later with the addition of a new retail outlet per year since. The Rockshop now boasts a retail outlet in virtually every major population centre in NZ. Opening of a new Rockshop store has become a significant industry event and is reported Nationally.

What makes us different?

In more recent times, the group has formed some important strategic business partnerships within the industry to increase penetration and influence in the local market. The Rockshop Group now includes an alliance with KBB Music (itself established in 1886) - traditional instrument retailers of pianos, keyboards, brass, strings, woodwind and sheet music and a comprehensive – industry leading – Hire Program.

Introduced has been the “Megastore” concept in all of the main centres. Expansion has occurred in every branch: Core to the group is an ongoing process of review, renewal and reinvention to reflect the rapidly changing nature of our business and our customer’s requirements.

As the face of the industry has altered over the years to reflect a more Global marketplace, a greater base of recreational players and the inclusion of new technologies, the group has responded rapidly, embracing the changes and benefiting from a proactive attitude and approach.

We have a long-standing commitment to the local music industry through nationwide player endorsement programs, local act sponsorship, solid support for tertiary institutions and a founding partner of the nationwide secondary school music competition – Rockquest.

We stock our stores either through direct purchase from the manufacturer or supply and distribution through our own wholesale partnership.  This allows Rockshop to fulfill our desire to ensure supply continuity, competitive pricing, top quality products and the best possible representation of the world’s best brands in the NZ market.

To the Future

As undoubtedly the most progressive retailer of its kind in NZ, The Rockshop Group has always been mindful of incorporating new technologies into the operation for improved service, flexibility and efficiency.

Our massive investment in our online presence has resulted in a world leading E-Commerce and Networked Website.

We are determined to refine our operations with constant improvements in staff training, selection of committed career oriented employees and securing the most knowledgeable specialist staff available. Constant revision of our environments to ensure we offer, not only the best experience for our clients, but the best representation of the best products in the world.

“Success is a journey – not a destination”

L to R: Torey Leggett - Director, Brett Wells - Director, Mick Webb - Managing Director, Paul Skipper - Director.