Mississippi Music, Inc., located in Meridian, Hattiesburg and Flowood, has been named one of the world’s Top 100 musical instrument and product retailers for the fifth time. The global association for the music products industry, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), will formally present Mississippi Music, Inc. with the Top 100 honor during the industry’s upcoming trade event, Summer NAMM in Nashville.  

    “We are very proud of our excellent staff and our customers, without whom this would never be possible. Our goal is to help everyone enjoy the lifelong pleasure of playing a musical instrument,” said Rosi Johnson, president of Mississippi Music.

    The Top 100 designation recognizes:

    • A demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service.

    • Proven community advocacy and support for music education.

    • An exemplary retail experience worth returning for and recommending to others.

    • Merchandising and marketing tactics that encourage repeat sales.

    • Sound planning for future success, employing marketing and training initiatives.

    • Engaging and effective use of web and social media.

    Mississippi Music, Inc.  is also under consideration to receive the Dealer of the Year award, NAMM’s highest honor for retailers, and seven other “Best of” awards including: Best Store Design, Best Marketing and Sales Promotion, Best Online Engagement, Music Makes a Difference Award, Best Emerging Dealer, Best Store Turnaround and Best Customer Service. Winners of these categories, as well as Dealer of the Year, will be announced at the July 10 award ceremony in Nashville.

    Businesses vying for Top 100 status are evaluated for a sound business model, resourceful approaches, and effective implementation of best practices. A panel of independent judges scores each entry to determine the Top 100. Dubbed the “retail Oscars” by Music Inc. magazine, NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer Awards spotlights the industry’s very best music product retailers.

    “The music retailers honored with NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer status are those working hard to create positive musical experiences for everyone from those just learning to experienced musicians,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Mississippi Music, Inc. is an important ambassador for making music in Mississippi and exemplifies the passion for making music that unites us all.”