What’s Happening
THE INDUSTRY RESP
Sound Wave Customs’ annual Salepocalypse went on as scheduled on March 13. Although less people attended, a greater number of higher-end products were sold.
During an unprecedented global emergency, the 12-volt industry is coming together in mutual support to help keep employees and clients safe and healthy. WORDS BY ROSA SOPHIA
By mid-March, schools began closing in response to the spread of COVID-19, social distancing became the norm and restaurants that hadn’t closed offered takeout and delivery only. All major sporting events were suspended. Travel restrictions were put into place all over the world, and stay-at-home orders were soon to follow in various cities around
14 Mobile Electronics April 2020
the country. Mobile electronics businesses have responded by switching to appointment-only, closing the retail sides of their stores—or by closing entirely. Many have been able to stay open, which accounts for about 65 of the industry. Sound Wave Customs in Virginia Beach, Va. is limiting the number of clients in their showroom and has closed
their waiting area, according to the business’s Facebook page. If they aren’t feeling well, customers are asked not to come in. Odin Mattes of Earmark Car Audio & Tint in Plano, Texas said the shop has seen an immediate drop in business, and has since closed temporarily. “February is traditionally the slowest month of the
