Gibson Garage London: A New Destination for Guitar Enthusiasts Set to Open in Late February 2024
Gibson Brands, a name synonymous with musical excellence for over 130 years, is set to extend its legacy by opening the first-ever Gibson Garage outside of the United States, right in the heart of London. The Gibson Garage London, located just a block off Oxford Street at 61-62 Eastcastle Street, is poised to become the ultimate destination for guitar lovers and musicians.
Scheduled to open its doors in late February 2024, the Gibson Garage London will occupy a 4,500-square-foot retail space. It promises to be a haven for guitar enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to explore and play over 300 electric and acoustic guitars. The range includes high-end instruments from the Gibson Custom Shop, as well as selections from Epiphone and Kramer. Additionally, visitors can experience Maestro pedals, among other music accessories.
Leading the team at this landmark location are three seasoned professionals, appointed by Gibson Brands. Etaoin Fagan steps in as the General Manager, bringing over two decades of experience in senior store management and retail operations. Her journey has seen her at the helm of major retail stores like Harrods and Selfridges, where she honed her expertise in luxury retailing.
“I’m thrilled to be part of bringing the Gibson Garage to life in London. Retail has been in my family for decades, and this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Etaoin Fagan, reflecting on her new role.
Joining her are Andy Wratten as Assistant Manager-Operations and Sam Gammon as Assistant Manager-Sales. Wratten, with a 20-year background in the luxury watch retail industry, transitions from Watches of Switzerland to the music sector. His love for music and guitars aligns seamlessly with his new position at Gibson.
“I’m eager to start and play a significant role in making the Gibson Garage London a premier guitar-buying experience,” commented Wratten.
Gammon, who comes aboard with substantial experience in the guitar industry, including a stint as Business Development Manager at Yamaha, shares similar excitement. “I’m excited to start my journey with Gibson and contribute to the success of the Gibson Garage London,” said Gammon.
Lee Bartram, Head of Commercial, Marketing and Cultural Influence EMEA at Gibson Brands, expressed confidence in the new team:
“With Etaoin, Sam, and Andy at the helm, the Gibson Garage London is in excellent hands. We look forward to this journey and are confident in our team’s ability to bring this exciting concept to life.”
The Gibson Garage London is not just a store but a celebration of Gibson’s rich history in shaping sound across generations and genres. It follows the success of the Gibson Garage Nashville, which has become a global destination for music enthusiasts.
As the excitement builds, guitar aficionados can follow the latest updates on the official opening of the Gibson Garage London on Instagram at @GibsonGuitarUK. The store, which will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm, is set to become a landmark in London’s musical landscape.