Record Store Day is this weekend, and the resurgence of vinyl is something we celebrate year-round at Sweetwater. As highlighted by USA TODAY Co., Inc. reporters Katharine Perez and Mike Snider, vinyl record sales grew for the 19th consecutive year in 2025, increasing 9.3% and surpassing $1 billion for the first time in decades. We know people want to experience music in ways that feel intentional, tangible, and personal. That’s why over the past 15 months we have significantly expanded our home audio category, including turntables, speakers, and listening systems from brands like JBL, Sonos, Klipsch, Onkyo, and Polk Audio. It’s all part of a broader commitment to serve musicians and music lovers not just when they are creating, but when they are listening. Whether someone is streaming, building a dedicated listening room, or dropping the needle on a record, the goal is the same: to experience music in a way that is meaningful. At Sweetwater, we continue to meet people wherever they are and help them listen the way they want to.
Wellness Wednesday is a weekly initiative that makes wellbeing simple and accessible. Each Wednesday, employees are invited to pause and engage in something positive across mental, physical, financial, social, or professional health, whether that is sharing gratitude, reflecting, or doing a small act of kindness. It is low pressure, easy to join, and built on consistency. Over time, those small moments create real connection and reinforce a culture where people feel supported.
We are proud to support We Are Moving the Needle and its MicroGrants program, which helps emerging producers and engineers take the next step in their careers. These grants provide critical funding and remove barriers to creators working to build their crafts and move forward in an industry where access can be a challenge. Programs like this matter. They do more than fund projects. They fuel confidence, creativity, and momentum at the exact moment it is needed most. By investing in creators early, we help strengthen the future of music itself.
Last week, our Band & Orchestra team hosted its third annual Solo and Ensemble contest, bringing team members together to perform, collaborate, and share their talents. Inspired by traditional school competitions, the event has grown into something uniquely our own, welcoming a wide range of musical styles and performances. It is more than a showcase. It reflects the passion our team brings to their work every day as they prepare instruments for musicians across the country, and it encourages continued growth, creativity, and connection through music. Thank you to everyone who participated and to partners such as Eastman Music Company for their support. #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
One of the most valuable things we can invest in is how we communicate. Our latest Food for Thought lunch and learn was led by Chrissy Pearl, Director of e-Commerce for Gear Exchange, and focused on something that touches every role across the company, writing. Every email, Teams message, ticket, brief, and report shapes how work gets done and how we show up for each other and our customers. Chrissy walked through practical ways to write with clarity, empathy, and intention. From making messages easier to scan and act on to tailoring communication based on your audience, the session centered on a simple idea. Better writing leads to better outcomes. #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
Each year, our Impact Report gives us a moment to reflect on the power of music, the spark of creativity, and the heart that drives everything we do at Sweetwater. Our impact extends beyond the sounds our customers create. It is reflected in how we care for our employees, invest in our communities, and protect the environment we all share. Some of the highlights from 2025 include recycling over 372,000 lbs. of guitar strings through the D’Addario Playback program, earning a Top 10 North America Inspiring Workplaces ranking, and contributing over $1 million in funding, gear, and support through partnerships with more than 200 organizations. See the full 2025 Impact Report: https://bit.ly/4dDUUWR #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
The largest band instrument event in the US is coming to Fort Wayne! On May 16, Sweetwater will host the National Band Expo, bringing together the largest selection of intermediate and advanced band instruments available anywhere in the country. This is a rare opportunity for students, band directors, and lesson instructors to get hands-on: to play, compare, and discover the instrument that truly fits their goals with dedicated, one-on-one consultations with our band instrument specialists to help guide each decision. All in one place, all in one day. This event is something only Sweetwater could bring to life. We partner with educators, support students as they grow, and help families navigate decisions that shape lifelong musical journeys. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and one we continue to invest in every day. Don’t miss the opportunity to browse an unmatched selection paired with the chance to experience it firsthand. #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
Our Fort Wayne campus is now home to two new home audio listening rooms, including an immersive JBL Synthesis environment and an interactive space with more than 100 components to explore. Each is designed to give customers a hands-on, personalized path to finding their perfect sound. This expansion, celebrated during our recent grand reopening, also brings more gear for creators, expanded camera and video offerings, and an even greater selection across the store. It is all part of our commitment to serve more musicians, creators, and listeners with more ways to discover what sound can do. #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
Last week, our IT team took the stage for our annual IT Talent Show. From solo and group music performances to card magic, feats of strength, and even some incredibly well-trained pets, the range of talent on display was as impressive as it was entertaining. Events such as this are a reflection of who we are: creative, passionate, and willing to show up for one another in ways that go beyond the day-to-day. #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
March 5 marked National Cheetos Day, and FritoLay and Pepsi helped us celebrate in a way that employees will not soon forget. Chester Cheetah himself made a special appearance on campus, welcoming team members and posing for photos as employees stopped by to join the fun. Of course, it would not be a proper celebration without snacks. Employees were treated to Cheetos and refreshments while connecting with colleagues throughout the day. Anyone who participated was also entered into a giveaway, adding a little extra excitement to the experience. Events like this are a simple reminder that culture is built in the small moments. A quick break, a shared laugh, and a chance to connect with coworkers can go a long way in brightening the workday. Sometimes all it takes is a bag of Cheetos and a little bit of mischief to bring people together. #WeAreSweetwater #FullTimeDream
