End Of An Era: Exclusive Company To Close After 66 Years In Wisconsin

WISCONSIN — An iconic, independent Wisconsin record company is set to close all its stores after more than six decades of selling music, the business announced Thursday.

The Exclusive Company, which has half a dozen locations in the Milwaukee area, will close after the death of James "Mr. G" Giombetti, who founded the company in 1956, new owners said in a notice posted on the company's website.

"Over the years he grew the business into a thriving chain of record stores, and endeared himself to his loyal customers and all who knew him," the post read.

"Many of you knew Mr. G from his thousands of radio ads over the years. In each of those ads you heard the passion he had for both The Exclusive Company and the music he loved. He worked tirelessly seven days a week to ensure The Exclusive Company would always provide the largest selection of music at the lowest price in a fun, friendly, and diverse environment for music lovers of all ages."

Giombetti was the "very soul" of his company, the new owners said.

"Sadly and simply, The Exclusive Company cannot, and should not, go on one without the other," the post read.

The rolling closures are expected to occur over the next few months, and each store will go through a liquidation of its entire inventory, the owners said.

Customers are invited to celebrate Record Store Day, April 23, in the Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Milwaukee and Greenfield stores, the business said.

"As we prepare for the end of The Exclusive Company’s era in the Wisconsin music industry, we invite you all to help us remember and honor Mr. G’s life and legacy by stopping in to reminisce, share a story, or simply say goodbye."