Sam Ash going out of business

Just a head's up for those across the US. As of 5/6 ~20% off on most items.

I picked up some stuff a couple weeks ago at 15% off. Seems now they are closing all stores unless they get a buyer. Some good memories going there over the years.

I heard the following.
All brick and motar stores are closing as they will focus on online business only.

WSJ said:

" Sam Ash Music, the renowned musical-instruments retailer that recently announced plans to shut down all 45 of its stores, is looking for a buyer to keep the chain and its online retail presence going, Chief Executive Richard Ash said."

Click to expand...

They are reportedly working with Capstone Partners to field interest from buyers.

JR

Now if we could just get rid of Stew Mac,

LMII closed down recently (I think in a relatively organised way), which was sad for me at least because I liked their macassar ebony fretboards and bridge blanks among other things. I am going to try and source some local native dense hardwood now, there are a couple of options but pretty much everything is converted into flooring to maximise yield and meet demand.

I have never purchased from Stew Mac, the prices look good and then by the time you get to checkout with all the taxes added, the proposition is not so desirable. Anyway, if you want to get serious you realise pretty quickly have to start stockpiling your own billets and flitches.

Adirondack is through the roof compared to a decent set of AA Euro spruce (the Golden Era factor coupled with availability). There is a much spruce sniffing going on as there is tube rolling or comparing the sound of output transformers in your limiter.

I read the WSJ article about this, that interviewed Richard Ash. He said the web site business is fine but 45 brick and mortar stores are unsustainable.

I can imagine somebody buying the whole business, keeping a handful of flagship stores (like 48th street, maybe Paramus and one on Long Island), to handle web fulfillment from.

JR