Sam Ash, the family-run music equipment chain, has announced “with a heavy heart” that it’ll be closing all remaining stores.
Since the rise of purchasing online began to dominate musical instrument sales, Sam Ash has faced many challenges — it closed 18 stores back in March, with a spokesperson saying the “company must continue to adapt to ensure its continued success.” Now, Sam Ash has announced its pulling the (quarter-inch) plug for good.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that all Sam Ash Music store locations will begin store closing sales today…,” reads the company’s statement posted on their various social media accounts. “Thank you for allowing us to serve musicians like you for 100 years.”
As a result of the closure, Sam Ash is also offering some big discounts. “This unfortunate news also presents a fantastic opportunity for great deals across our premium selection of musical instruments & pro sound equipment,” the company’s post reads. “We will also be offering specials on SamAsh.com during this time.”
The chain’s origins go back 100 years, when Sam Ashkynase and his wife Rose opened the first store in 1924 after immigrating to Brooklyn from Austria. Ash, a violin teacher, expanded the business in 1944; his children Jerry, Paul, and Marcia then actively expanded Sam Ash into becoming a well-known chain through to today.
The closure arrives days after Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalport revealed plans to prioritize “premium products” over items like “$300 guitars and $300 digital drum kits.” Market research from IBISWorld notes a steep drop in revenue from musical instrument equipment stores in 2020, and despite an initial post-pandemic rise in sales, revenue has dropped 2.9% in the last five years.
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