Local instrument shop Melody Music has closed after 16 years.
Owner Paul “Wilbur” Price updated the store’s website, saying the store could no longer compete with its own suppliers, who sell directly to customers.
He said it’s difficult to stock items when suppliers “prioritized their own personal e-com inventories over the retailers.”
Price has worked in the Bloomington community for 29 years. He founded the store in 2009 with co-owner Michelle Giansante. The shop also offered private instrument lessons, rentals, and repairs.
“There is no easy way for brick and mortar to truly thrive in the future. Alas, our time has come to an abrupt and unplanned ending,” Price said in the statement.
A handful of local instrument shops remain open, including Ardent Instruments, Vanderbilt Music Company, Stafford Music Academy, Davis Academy of Music, and Stephen M. Schock Violins in Bloomington, and Weed Patch Music Company in Nashville.
