Musical instrument retailer Sam Ash is closing all stores beginning this month, with the company offering “great deals” as part of winding down the business.
On the website, Sam Ash announced that “everything must be sold,” promising buyers that they can get their dream gear for cheap prices.
Florida had the most number of stores at nine, followed by California with seven, and New York with six. Ohio, New Jersey, and Texas had three stores each. North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Illinois had two stores each with one in Nevada.
In March, the music store had begun closing several of its shops.
As news of Sam Ash’s shutdown became viral, patrons expressed dismay at the closure, reminiscing about their purchases from the iconic store.
Growing Sam Ash, Final Sale
Sam Ash was founded in 1924 and became the largest family-owned musical instrument store chain in the United States. In addition to musical instruments, the company also sold DJ, lighting, recording, and professional sound equipment.The business was established by a young couple—Sam Ash and his wife Rose Dinn, both immigrants. Mr. Ash came to the United States from Austria when he was 10 years old. Ms. Dinn came from Russia at the age of three.
Mr. Ash initially started out as an orchestra player. However, Ms. Dinn decided that a musician’s life was too financially insecure. As such, the couple opened up their first store in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, pawing Ms. Dinn’s engagement ring for $400 to make a downpayment for the outlet.
Initially, the store mainly provided sheet music and violin repairs as the couple could not afford to stock musical instruments. They struggled through the Great Depression, keeping their business alive. In the 1940s, Mr. Ash began stocking band instruments in the store.
In the 50’s the couple’s son Jerry noticed that accordion was rising in popularity and began stocking various models. Soon, Sam Ash became a well-known leading dealer of accordion in the area. Later, the store started stocking electric guitars.
Over the next decades, the Ash family kept opening up several stores, with the third generation, Mr. Jerry’s sons, also entering the business.
Eventually, the fourth generation, Mr. Jerry’s grandchildren, began managing the enterprise, finally culminating in the recent decision to shut down.
With Sam Ash winding down stores, the company is offering its stock at big discounts.
While Sam Ash is selling items at large discounts, customers should note that all sales made after May 1 will be deemed as final.
“For obvious damage, just refuse the shipment and we’ll make it right. For hidden damage or defects, call our Customer Service at 1-800-472-6274 and we’ll send you a shipping label so you can return the item at our expense.”
For purchases made prior to May 2, the company’s “45-day satisfaction guarantee” still applies.
