Century-Old Music Chain Sam Ash To Shutter, Liquidation Sales Begin

LOS ANGELES, CA — Liquidation sales have begun at Sam Ash, the musical instrument retailer that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week after announcing plans to close all stores.

The chain has been in business for more than 100 years with six locations across Southern California. Last week, the company announced plans to shutter all its stores much to the surprise of Southland musicians.

"Unfortunately, in today's post-COVID environment, the challenges to our brick-and-mortar business have necessitated a restructuring," Sam Ash CEO and grandson of the founders David Ash said in a written statement. "We are exploring a number of strategic options in conjunction with these inventory sales. Stay tuned."

According to bankruptcy court filings, the store was largely dependent upon walk-in shoppers and suffered greatly when pandemic shutdowns hit.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce that effective May 2nd 2024, all Sam Ash Music Store locations will begin store closing sales," the company announced. "This unfortunate news also presents a fantastic opportunity for great deals across our premium selection of musical instruments & pro sound equipment. We will also be offering specials on samash.com during this time. Thank you for allowing us to serve musicians like you for 100 years."

The company will shutter all 42 of its stores across the nation. The Southern California stores slated for closure are:

• City Of Industry
• Los Angeles
• Ontario
• San Diego
• Torrance
• Westminster

"One of my buddies at school told me and we're all very sad because this is where we buy all of our stuff and they give us a student discount, so we love Sam Ash," said Grady Demmitt, a musician and frequent customer of Sam Ash in Hollywood told Eyewitness News.