Matt Stewart
A poor economic climate, the liquidation of its parent company and music format changes have all conspired to spell the end of Sounds - Wairarapa's only specialty music store.
The Queen Street, Masterton retailer has been operating under various guises since the early 1990s but co-owner Kevin Senior said that
due to an overly long period of poor trading the shop would close its doors on October 8. The news comes less than a year after the independently owned and operated franchise came under threat of closure when its parent company Icon Digital Entertainment went into voluntary administration owing its bank and other creditors $20m in November 2007.
At the time the new statute had just been introduced and Icon was thought to be the first large company to use the legislation, which gives companies in financial distress a chance to continue trading.
"It's sad for the Wairarapa region and for our regulars because it's been such a great store," long-time manager Holly Jackson said.
"It has been an addictive and exciting job to have and it's been fun to see music evolve over the years. The music store brought together many different people from all walks of life, age groups and music interests making it a truly unique place to work.
"I would like to say a big thank you to all of our customers for your support over the years, we have learnt more about music and film through your conversations.
I would like to thank all employees who have worked at Mad Dog, Tower Music and Sounds and to our local musicians and wish them all the best for the future.
Auckland-based Mr Senior said he regretted having to make the decision to close the store and wanted to thank his "dedicated staff, especially Holly and Janna, for their passion for music and a desire to deliver the best service possible resulting in the store lasting as long as it has."
