I'd certainly agree with part of your premise, Al - I've met wealthy retirees who bought expensive Martins for themselves and showed them off at sessions by not playing them very well!

One of the problems that hit Guitar Junction in Worthing was that Dave, the owner, aimed much of his stock at that market when he first opened. However, after a time, he'd sold what he could in the area - and things slowed drastically.

The music shops that seem to do OK are those that cater to the beginners buying reasonably made, cheap guitars such as Cort, Vintage, etc. Bonners in Eastbourne is typical - and even they've retrenched in the last few years.