Copyright scotsman
A much-loved music retailer with stores in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dunfermline has closed its doors for good after entering voluntary liquidation. Kenny’s Music has confirmed the decision despite its “strongest sales ever” in recent years, in new communication with its supplier partners. The closure of the shop on Elgin Street, in Dunfermline, comes after the business’s bricks-and-mortar store in Dundee closed in February. The chain, which sold new and pre-owned instruments, first opened in 2008. Alex Marten, managing director at Kenny’s Music, said: “The rapidly rising cost base across both stores and e-commerce, combined with continued pressure on margins, has made it impossible for us to operate sustainably within the traditional music retail model.” He added: “Continuing to trade would not have been responsible.” “Although this chapter is ending, I remain committed to the MI industry and hope to contribute again in future in a way that better reflects the changing needs of musicians and suppliers alike. “In the meantime, I will do everything I reasonably can to assist you and the proposed liquidator through this process.” Mr Marten claimed a dwindling number of physical stores could hurt the music sector. Don’t miss the Scotsman’s daily newsletter He said: “We all know the value of offering expert advice and allowing customers to experience a range of instruments first-hand before they buy. There hasn’t been a sufficiently urgent response from the industry and government to the number of recent shop closures. “If physical shops are to survive, the model needs to change - and quickly.” The Kenny’s Music online store has also shut down, with a short message that reads: “Our online store is currently unavailable.” The Dunfermline outlet had reopened in 2022, having been closed for almost three years on the back of Covid lockdowns. In a goodbye message when the Dundee store closed earlier this year, staff said shopping habits had changed, but the owners would “miss being part of the city’s music scene”. Tributes to the much loved store have poured in since the closure was announced. One fan said: “Absolutely gutted about this.. I’ve been lucky to have worked for Sound Control in the early 90s until its demise in 2008 then Kenny’s music in late 2011… until just a few months ago, so sorry for everyone involved and my heart goes out to you all… great times and memories.” Another posted: “Having worked in Sound Control for 5 years both in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy it was always evident that the local music shop was not just a retail environment, it was also a hub for musicians and would be musicians to get together to try gear, make friends and just hang out. “In the end we are all totally to blame, we could have chosen to pay a bit more for the experience rather than go for the easier option. Very sad indeed.” Not-for-profit 50rpm, a community based arts organisation situated in Coatbridge, said: “Sad news that Kenny's Music has gone out of business. “We always try to buy our equipment from local music shops, having bought part of our PA and lots of cables from their Glasgow store. Real shame for the guys who work there.”
