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A pillar of Montreal’s music scene is planning to close its last storefront after being in business for more than six decades.
“After decades of laughter, late-night conversations, and the hum of instruments being tried for the very first time, Steve’s Music Store will be closing its doors,” a message posted to the store’s website reads.
Company founder Steve Kirman opened the first store in Old Montreal in 1965, selling instruments and other music paraphernalia.
In the years and decades that followed, the business expanded with locations opening out of province, in Toronto and Ottawa.
Kirman died in 2012 after a brief illness, 47 years after opening his first store, with his son Micheal taking over the reins.
The retailer celebrated its 60th anniversary last year.
“The decision to close comes with a heavy heart, but also with overwhelming gratitude,” Michael Kirman wrote in his statement.
“Thank you for trusting us with your musical journeys. Thank you for letting our store be a place where creativity lived, where inspiration struck, and where community thrived.”
Steve’s Music Store opened its first location in Old Montreal in 1965. Since then, it has established a presence in other parts of Quebec as well as Ontario and customers say it continues to play a big role in Montreal’s music scene.
Earlier this year, the retailer began downsizing and closing its other locations in Ontario and Quebec.
Kirman said several factors led to the decision to restructure the business and close the last remaining storefront on Sainte-Catherine Street, including “the post-COVID world and the changing economy.”
The retailer has yet to announce a closing date for the Montreal location, saying details regarding final sales, outstanding special orders, repairs and rentals will follow in the coming days.
