PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Clyne Media, Inc.
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GUITAR CENTER PROTECTS ENVIRONMENT
WITH “GREEN” INITIATIVE
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, April 21, 2008 —
As part of its efforts to protect the environment and earth’s
resources, Guitar Center, the world’s largest musical instrument
and professional audio retailer, has made major changes to its operational
procedures, already yielding significant results. This ongoing “Green”
initiative reduces the company’s carbon footprint and conserves
fuel and wood resources.
In 2007, Guitar Center halted the use of wooden pallets
when shipping product from its Distribution Center to all 214 Guitar
Center Stores, and instead began floor-loading all musical instrument
and audio products. This simple change in policy has wide-reaching environmental
benefits.
First, it eliminates the need for 211,812 wooden pallets
yearly, equaling over 8,000,000 pounds of lumber. Secondly, the elimination
of shrink-wrap reduced more than 70 million square feet of plastic from
GC’s supply chain. That is enough plastic to create a four foot-wide
path from New York to Los Angeles.
Finally, this decrease in pallet usage allows GC’s
trucks to be packed more efficiently, resulting in more product being
shipped per truckload and effecting a reduction in outbound truck usage
overall. For example, in 2007, GC saw only 4,604 outbound truckloads
from the Distribution Center, less than 50% of the 9,471 loads in 2006.
This eases road congestion and reduces total miles traveled by more
than 2,000,000 miles per year (enough to circle the Earth 83 times or
make four round trips to the moon!). In addition, this “green”
initiative conserves 383,950 gallons of diesel fuel yearly, thereby
significantly reducing GC’s emission of Carbon Dioxide and other
greenhouse gases.
Bill Deeney EVP – Guitar Center Chief Logistics
Officer stated, “Earth Day is the perfect time to take stock of
what we are all doing to protect the environment. Guitar Center is committed
to optimizing our supply chain and reducing environmental impact. Eliminating
over 50% of our outbound transportation has a huge impact on reducing
both fuel and packaging. It’s a real “win-win” for
our customers, employees and the environment.”
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers,
percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment.
Our retail store subsidiary presently operates more than 200 Guitar
Center stores across the U.S. In addition, our Music & Arts division
operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale
and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and
students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical
instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary,
Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com.
More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's
Web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of
Guitar Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of
the respective companies with which they are associated.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Clyne, Clyne Media, Inc., at (615) 662-1616