Growing Sam Ash: The Rise and Fall of a Musical Instrument Giant
Introduction:
Sam Ash, the largest family-owned musical instrument store chain in the United States, has announced that it will be closing all of its stores. This news has left many patrons saddened by the closure and reminiscing about their purchases from the iconic store. However, amidst the disappointment, there is an opportunity for buyers to score great deals on musical instruments and pro sound equipment. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Sam Ash and what led to its ultimate decision to shut down.
The Ash Family Legacy:
Sam Ash was founded in 1924 by Sam Ash and his wife Rose Dinn, both immigrants. Starting with their first store in Brooklyn, New York, the couple initially focused on providing sheet music and violin repairs due to financial constraints. However, they persevered through the Great Depression and began stocking band instruments in the 1940s. Their son Jerry noticed the rising popularity of accordions in the 50s and expanded their inventory accordingly. Eventually, electric guitars became a staple item in their stores.
The Expansion and Success:
Over the years, the Ash family opened several more stores, with Jerry’s sons joining the business and later his grandchildren. Their dedication and passion for music led to Sam Ash becoming a well-known and leading dealer of musical instruments in the area. The company’s success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to changing trends in the music industry and provide customers with high-quality instruments.
The Winding Down Process:
After a century of serving musicians, Sam Ash has made the difficult decision to close its doors. While this news has come as a shock to many, some industry experts believe that it was inevitable in the current retail landscape. David D. Tawil, CEO of Centaurus Energy, referred to Sam Ash’s closure as part of the #RetailApocalypse, indicating that changing consumer habits and online competition played a role in the company’s decline.
The Final Sale:
With the announcement of store closures, Sam Ash is now offering its remaining inventory at significant discounts. This presents a great opportunity for musicians and enthusiasts to purchase their dream gear at affordable prices. For example, the Michael Kelly 1962 electric guitar, originally priced at $579.99, is now available for only $249.77. Similarly, the Yamaha nylon string acoustic-electric guitar, which had an MSRP of $1,178.40, is being offered for $619.99.
Important Information for Customers:
While the final sale brings exciting deals, customers should be aware that all sales made after May 1st will be considered final. Returns will only be accepted for damaged merchandise, and customers are advised to refuse the shipment if it arrives damaged. For hidden damage or defects, customers can contact Sam Ash’s Customer Service for assistance.
Conclusion:
The closure of Sam Ash marks the end of an era in the musical instrument retail industry. As one of the largest family-owned stores in the United States, it had a significant impact on musicians and enthusiasts alike. While it is sad to see such an iconic store shut down, the final sale presents an opportunity for music lovers to acquire quality instruments at discounted prices. The legacy of Sam Ash will be remembered by those who found their dream gear within its walls, and its impact on the music community will not be forgotten.
