Audio Advice, known nationally for expertise in home theaters and smart home systems, recently announced the acquisition of The Audio Lab, one of the longest-running specialty audio-video retailers in Wilmington.

As part of its growth strategy, Audio Advice had been assessing several markets for expansion or acquisition. CEO Scott Newnam spearheaded the initiative with the support of COO Gregg Chopper. Chopper and Newman had been eyeing the Wilmington market where they had an existing and growing client base for some time.

“Operationally it checked a lot of boxes from the start, not to mention the area's growth and our ability to grow with it and continue to be Carolina's largest provider of audio and home theater systems,” said Chopper.

“The acquisition of Audio Lab gives us the ability to serve new and existing clients more efficiently while Audio Advice's nationwide marketing and ecommerce platform brings a much broader depth of product offering and expertise,” Chopper said of the integration of the companies.

For over 30 years, The Audio Lab, 5732 Oleander Drive, has created audio and video experiences for customers. Audio Advice has large showrooms that allow consumers to experience everything from smart home systems, controlled lighting and shades to every level of audio products and home theaters. 

“We want to allow consumers to touch, feel and experience everything before buying. While this requires a substantial and continued investment, we believe it provides massive value to consumers and brands. To that end, we will invest in The Audio Lab showroom in Wilmington to be consistent with our other award-winning showrooms,” Chopper said.

The Audio Lab has super-showrooms in Charlotte and Raleigh.

“Part of the Wilmington experience center build-out will include design elements that will expand the consumer experience with controlled shades and lighting like in our existing Charlotte and Raleigh locations,” Chopper added.

In the short term, more brands will be added into the showroom for consumers to experience while simultaneously building out the new showroom and home theater.

“Pardon our dust as we build our world-class showroom in Wilmington,” added Chopper.

In addition to providing the combined expertise in Wilmington for Audio Lab customers, the acquisition will enable improved service to customers who have second homes at the beach, Chopper said.

According to Chopper, beach house owners are looking for audio systems that are convenient and easy to use, that can't be seen or don't take up a lot of space, indoor and outdoor, but most importantly, that sound amazing to the homeowner.

Bill Rudisill, owner of The Audio Lab, said, “I am extremely proud of what we have at The Audio Lab and could not be more happy with our team joining the Audio Advice family. The more I have learned about Audio Advice and watched how they have embraced our team, the more excited I have become for our team. Audio Advice is bringing a level of training, reputation, and investment into our team and showroom that makes me incredibly happy.”