The retail music store Sam Ash will close all its locations.

Important news: Retailer of musical instrumentsSam Ash MusicOn Thursday, it was announced that sales would begin in its stores across the country, marking the end of the company's 100-year history. "With a heavy heart, we announce that starting May 2, 2024, all Sam Ash Music stores will begin liquidation sales," the company stated on its online platforms, including its website, Facebook, and Instagram. The first signs of financial trouble emerged earlier this year when it was revealed that nearly 20 locations would be closing, including the flagship store in downtown Manhattan. Their website indicated on Friday that there are 42 stores in 16 states. However, the company did not respond to a request for further comment from Retail Dive.

Situation analysis

The closure of Sam Ash stores creates favorable conditions for the competitor.Guitar Centerwhich is now becoming the main retailer of musical instruments with physical stores in the USA. The Sam Ash website features stores in states such as:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia

“Most likely, Sam Ash was facing three opposing trends at once,” he noted.Bill Verd“It’s a very difficult situation for any business to survive,” said the director of the Bandier Music Industry program at Syracuse University in comments to Retail Dive. Verd added, “On one hand, guitar sales increased during the pandemic, but they have noticeably declined recently. At the same time, rent and property costs have been rising rapidly overall. And, of course, the sale of goods continues to migrate online. The scale and lack of overhead for large online retailers make it extremely challenging for brick-and-mortar stores to compete with them.”

The announcement about the closure of Sam Ash stores on Facebook was shared over 5,000 times in less than 24 hours as of Friday morning. Many social media users expressed shock and sadness over the loss of a retail location that had become an integral part of the community. "So sad," wrote one user, "it's closing."Toys R Usfor musicians." People shared personal memories of buying their first musical instruments, reminisced about performances by famous musicians, and lamented the rapid shift from retail to online shopping. "Soon there will be no places left to see the products I like.

However, the closure of stores may not mean the end of the brand. The founderCAD Managementa company engaged in music management and consulting in the entertainment industry,Clayton Duranthe stated: "Similar toBed Bath & Beyond"which has found a buyer, Sam Ash has solid brand equity in the music and creative community. I wouldn't be surprised if another major player in the music or broader retail industry acquires their brand."

Sam Ashkinez, originally from Austria, emigrated to the USA in 1907 at the age of 10. In 1924, he and his wifeRose DininThey opened a music store in New York. To make ends meet, Ashkenaz performed with a band on weekends during the early years of the company, according to the company's history. It currently remains a family business, managed by the fourth generation. Unlike Sam Ash, Guitar Center recently opened a new store inHialeah, Florida, and also recently reopened the newly expanded and updated store inWestlake Village, California. The company also owns storesMusic & Artsthat offer a wide selection of brass and woodwind instruments for ensembles and orchestras, as well as online retailersMusicians FriendandWoodwind & BrasswindGuitar Center also managesAVDGproviding audio, video, and lighting installation services for private and commercial properties.

SweetwaterIt is also a significant player in the retail of musical instruments and professional sound and lighting equipment. The company, based in Indiana, has a retail store at its headquarters, but it focuses on online sales. Sweetwater reported that for the third consecutive year, its total sales exceeded1 billion dollarsIn 2022. Correction: this news has been updated to accurately reflect Sweetwater's annual sales.