After 100 years in business, the iconic family-owned chain of music stores, Sam Ash, is closing all of its 42 locations, marking the end of an era for musicians and music lovers alike. Derek Ash, the company’s chief marketing officer and great-grandson of the founders, cited the rise of online shopping as the main reason for the closures.
The news of the closures has saddened many musicians who have fond memories of visiting Sam Ash stores to buy instruments and equipment or simply to try out guitars and keyboards. The tactile and communal experience of browsing through the store and interacting with fellow musicians is something that can’t be replicated online.
Renowned musicians like Steve Stevens, who bought a guitar at Sam Ash in the 1980s, and Michael Whalen, who frequented the store in the 1990s, shared their memories of the store and how it played a significant role in their music careers. The closure of Sam Ash stores is not just a loss for the music industry but also for the community, as these stores were hubs for musicians to connect and share their passion for music.
Despite the challenges of competing with online retailers, Sam Ash stores were known for providing top-notch customer service and expert advice to musicians. Employees like Luis Infantas, who has worked at Sam Ash for 29 years, shared stories of selling equipment to famous musicians like Stevie Wonder and James Gandolfini, highlighting the unique experiences that working at Sam Ash provided.
As the last Sam Ash stores prepare to close their doors by the end of July, the music community mourns the loss of a beloved institution that has been a cornerstone of the industry for a century.