
PPR has transformed itself from a local conglomerate to Kering, one of the world's largest luxury groups. Kering is a global luxury goods company headquartered in Paris, with offices located around the world. Renowned for its portfolio of prestigious brands, Kering specialises in high-end fashion, leather goods, jewelry, and watches. The company’s brands include Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQueen, among others. Kering is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation while championing sustainability and social responsibility in the luxury sector. With a focus on craftsmanship and quality, Kering maintains a strong presence in the international luxury market.

Books-A-Million caters to readers who aren't millionaires. The second-largest US bookseller (behind Barnes & Noble) operates some 260 stores in 30 states and Washington, DC. Most of its outlets are superstores operating under the Books-A-Million, Books & Co., and 2nd & Charles names and offer discounted books, magazines, music, DVDs, and general merchandise. Most locations also feature Joe Muggs cafes, which serve coffee and pastries. In addition to its superstores, Books-A-Million runs about 20 smaller-scale Bookland and Books-A-Million locations, many of which are located in prominent regional shopping malls. Other operations include online unit booksamillion.com, gift card issuer BAM Card Services, and book wholesaler American Wholesale Book Company.

Confused as to who Ben Tennyson, Loula, and Lion-O are? Bandai America, the North American marketing arm of Japanese toy maker Namco Bandai, is happy to help clear up any game character and/or action figure confusion you may have. The company's portfolio of licensed and original toy and video game brands include Ben 10, ThunderCats, Dragon Ball Z, Harumika, Pocoyo, Power Rangers, Tamagotchi, and Teeny Little Families. Bandai America's operations consist of toy distribution, Japanese animated video distribution (through Bandai Entertainment), video game production, and the development of wireless technology and content that works with existing mobile phones.

In 1979, Chuck Surack poured his love of music and recording (and a lot of Bondo!) into a hand-me-down VW microbus, turning it into a mobile recording studio and hitting the road to record performances all over the Midwest. Chuck was committed to delivering more to his customers from day one. Whether that meant giving artists extra cassettes and albums or charging for a little less time than he actually used, Chuck always went above and beyond to show his customers that he was fully committed and working hard to help them achieve their musical dreams. There wasn't a music or pro audio dealer around that provided the kind of service, selection, and support Chuck felt customers deserved. At the same time, Chuck had begun creating sounds for the groundbreaking Kurzweil K250 keyboard, selling those sounds to many of the biggest names in the music industry. Those sound-design clients were also seeking a retailer they could trust. Chuck saw a niche, and Sweetwater's retail division was born. Sweetwater has grown from one man in a VW microbus to over 2,000 employees working at a state-of-the-art, 1 million square foot campus and music hub — and the #1 online music instrument and pro audio retailer in the United States. But, if you ask how we measure our success at the end of the day, it’s the millions of happy customers and friends that are now part of the Sweetwater family. Helping each and every person get closer to their music dreams is a privilege we’ll never take for granted. The future for Sweetwater looks incredibly bright as we continue to drive ourselves and the industry forward through continuous improvement and a passion for creating amazing customer experiences.

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion. The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day. Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

Chez Cultura, nous sommes convaincus que la culture est vivante : elle se pratique, avec plaisir et sans complexe. Notre métier : permettre à chacun de créer, se cultiver, apprendre. Depuis sa création en 1998, l’histoire de Cultura s’écrit autour d’une conviction : rendre les loisirs culturels et artistiques accessibles au plus grand nombre. Notre ambition : Réunir en un même lieu le plus grand nombre d’activités culturelles et artistiques et permettre l’épanouissement et le plaisir de chacun à travers une culture ouverte, vivante et en un mot : accessible.

Hermes Music hears melodies when the cash register rings. The company, named for the Greek god of commerce, has distribution operations in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, as well as in Florida and Texas. It imports and distributes musical instruments and pro-audio and lighting equipment throughout Latin America. The company also installs and repairs laser, DJ, and lighting systems in dance clubs. Hermes Music company was founded in 1982 by Alberto Kreimerman. In an effort to boost its distribution business, the company sold its chain of stores in Texas to Guitar Center in 2006, thereby exiting the retail market in the US.
