Sam Ash, a beloved family-run US music chain, is being forced to close its doors after a century of service to the American public.
Sam Ash, which opened its doors to customers in 1924, recently announced it would be closing all its stores in over ten states as the chain can no longer compete with online competitors.
Sam Ash Was Founded in New York Over a Century Ago
Over one hundred years ago, Sam Ash was founded in Brooklyn, New York, by musician Sam Ash and his wife, Rose.
The store, which sold a wide range of musical instruments, grew to become the largest family-owned instrument store in the US. Unfortunately, the chain will soon cease to exist.
Sam Ash Announce the Closure of All US Locations
Throughout its century-long existence, Sam Ash supplied amateur and expert musicians with pianos, guitars, drums, and other instruments.
However, at the beginning of May, the music chain posted a message to its social media followers revealing that it would be closing all stores in the US in the coming months.
Stores in Over Ten US States
Before the announcement, Sam Ash had grown to operate over 42 stores across more than ten US states.
This included stores in New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, California, Tennessee, Ohio, and Nevada.
Sam Ash Releases Public Statement
In the statement shared on social media, Sam Ash began by announcing that all stores would be closing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that all Sam Ash Music store locations will begin store closing sales,” they wrote.
Great Deals in the Coming Months
The statement continued, referring to various deals that would occur in the coming months as the chain tries to sell all of its stock.
“This unfortunate news also presents a fantastic opportunity for great deals across our premium selection of musical instruments & pro sound equipment. We will also be offering specials on samash.com during this time,” they wrote.
Ash Family Share Gratitude With Customers
The final portion of the Ash family’s statement was directed toward the customers who made their venture possible over the past century.
“Thank you for allowing us to serve musicians like you for 100 years. With much love and deep gratitude, The Ash Family.”
Reasons Behind the Chains Closure
In an interview with the New York Times, Derek Ash, the great-grandson of the store’s founders, said their stores could no longer compete with online retailers.
“A lot of this has been the move to online shopping,” said Ash, the company’s chief marketing officer.
Too Many Choices
Ash explained that operating a store with extensive options can be challenging, which ultimately contributed to their decision to close down.
“There are so many choices, and to maintain a store with that much selection is very difficult.”
Famous Musicians Express Their Sadness on Chain’s Closure
Several famous musicians have expressed their sadness after hearing of the chain’s closure, including two-time Emmy Award winner Michael Whalen.
“Since the pandemic, you go around the city and you’re constantly remarking at all these things that have closed,” Whalen told the Times.
Manhattan Becomes a Place for the Super Rich Says Emmy-Award Winner
“This feels like that sort of denouement. The city is changing so much, and a lot of people accuse Manhattan of being a place only for super-rich people,” said Whalen.
He continued, “I can see that because the places that made it feel like a community are going away.”
Billy Idol Collaborator Comments on Closure
Rock guitarist Steve Stevens, who has collaborated with Billy Idol on numerous occasions, also spoke on the closures, saying, “Even though it was a corporate, multi city store, it still had kind of a mom-and-pop feel to it.”
“It was always the place I hung out at 48th Street in Manhattan. It just seemed like family.”
