Taylor Harnois of Music Shop 360 Shares His 2026 Music Predictions
Hypebot’s Future Predictions series is back. Join us as we ask the music industry’s expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026.
Taylor Harnois is the General Manager of Music Shop 360, where he oversees all aspects of the Music Shop 360 brand, including sales and marketing, customer experience and support, and product and development. Prior to his time at Music Shop 360, Taylor spent many years in the retail and education industries. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Business Leadership.
We asked Taylor if he had any predictions for the music industry in 2026. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Hybrid Retail Will Take Over
“2025 was difficult for brick-and-mortar retailers, with the top 200 U.S. music stores seeing a 4% revenue decline and a 6% drop in headcount. These retailers will continue to see consolidation in 2026. However, retailers that combine a strong in-store customer experience that mirrors its online presence will continue to surge in the marketplace.
2. AI and Automation Will Redefine the Music Retail Experience
AI will continue to expand its footprint and be utilized more for personalized shopping experiences and helping retailers automate their merchandising systems. For example, imagine an AI assistant that builds a beginner’s learning plan when someone buys a guitar, or dynamically adjusts in-store displays based on sales and season.
Online music retailers currently outperform brick-and-mortar stores in sales per employee by more than 3x ($685K vs. $210K), making AI-assisted efficiency an invaluable tool for smaller shops in the coming year.
3. Music-Making Evolution Will Reshape How Consumers Invest
The music industry is at an inflection point: younger consumers increasingly define music creation as manipulating loops, beats, and samples, rather than playing traditional instruments. This year, I expect new software, interfaces, and mobile recording tools to overtake midtier guitar and keyboard sales.
While this trend won’t completely overtake the playing and purchasing of traditional instruments, it will diversify it, creating crossover demand for hybrid analog-digital products.”
