Each store includes a fully-operational stage for performancesand clinics, a recording studio and a learnings center offeringindividual, group, and master-level instruction. The companycurrently 35 superstores in 27 major markets in 17 states, and isopening 10-to-14 stores a year. Sales in 1999 topped $200million.

Dennis Haffeman, vice president of operations for the company,acknowledged the company's West Coast push, but would only talkabout signed leases, saying a store would open in South OrangeCounty at the end of the month. Another company source says thecompany will open stores in Seattle and Portland this year as well,but could not provide specific locations.

The likley Seattle site remains elusive, but Portland realestate sources say a Mars Music will lease space in Mall 205,purchased last year by Center Oaks Development and about to undergosubstantial renovation.