Performance Music Center Prepares for 30th Year in Woburn Center

WOBURN, MA — Performance Music Center has been a Woburn Center mainstay since the 1980's, and owner Joe Mullens and his staff are preparing for their 30th year in business.

Located at 4o5 Main St. between TreMonte Restaurant and Bar and the Beauty Stylists salon, the independent and locally owned retail music store carries a wide assortment of instruments, with a focus on guitars. The store also offers a full service repair shop and music lessons.

In honor of Small Business Saturday, a time when we celebrate local businesses by "shopping small," we spoke to Mullens about what makes his business so special.

When did you open?

We opened in October 1987 at 456 Main St. Since opening we have moved twice more, to better spaces in Woburn Center and came to our current location at 405 Main Street in August 1995

What made you decide to open this type of business? And why this location?

I’ve been involved in music in some way most of my life so it was a perfect fit for me. The location was easy, I had worked at a Music Store in Woburn in the late 70’s thru early 80’s that went out of business in 1983. I knew the area and the customers and they knew me.

What do you like best about running your business?

The interaction with the professional musicians that come into our shop and also helping someone who is just starting on their musical journey.

What has been your biggest struggle?

The retail landscape has been changing with on-line shopping. Many feel the best pricing is found on line. Shopping local benefits the customer and the community.

Politics and small business: how does government affect your business?

The increase of the State Sales tax a few years ago didn’t help. Roll back the sales tax and watch local retail grow. Local businesses employ local people. They could be your family, friends or neighbors.

Name another local business you’d send customers to:

Marco’s Italian Cold Cuts on Main Street in Woburn Center. They are great people. We have lunch there every day!

Do you have or know of a small business profile that deserves to be in the spotlight? Tell us about it by emailing joe.lipovich@patch.com.

Images courtesy of Joe Mullins.