Sam Ash closes all stores after 100 years in business

Business Sam Ash Music Store, which started with a single store in New York in 1924, will close all 42 stores this summer after 100 years in business.

Sam Ash, the family-run music store chain that has been supplying musicians with instruments for 100 years, will close all 42 of its stores by the end of July. Derek Ash, great-grandson of Sam and Rose Ash, who opened the first store in Brooklyn in 1924, said the company couldn’t compete with online retailers.

“We regret to announce that starting May 2, 2024, all Sam Ash Music Store locations will be having a closing sale,” the Ash family said on the company’s website. “This disappointing news also presents a great opportunity to save money on our premium selection of musical instruments and professional audio equipment. [online] During this time. Thank you for allowing us to serve musicians like you for 100 years. ”

Sam Ash first announced the closure of 18 stores in March, in hopes of buying more time before having to close all stores. Unfortunately, that time has come.

“A lot of that is due to the shift to online shopping.” Said Derek Ash, the company’s chief marketing officer, said: “There are so many choices, it’s very difficult to maintain a store with this much selection.”

Some Sam Ash stores in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Ohio will close by the end of May. The remaining stores will close by the end of July.

Many musicians, for whom Sam Ash’s location had become a common experience for music lovers, expressed disappointment at the news. “It’s been an integral part of my life ever since I can remember,” one musician posted on Facebook.

Some people have fond memories of frequenting music stores, especially in New York in the 1990s, when the area was filled with music stores like Rudy’s Music and Manny’s Music.