Steve’s Music Shuts Most Ontario, Quebec Locations After 60 Years

Steve’s Music, a long-standing institution in the music retail industry, is set to cease operations at nearly all of its locations in Ontario and Quebec after an impressive 60 years in business. This announcement, made on Saturday, involves the liquidation of inventory at five stores, with the sole exception being the outlet on rue Sainte-Catherine in Montreal.

Company Legacy and Impact

Founded by Steve Kirman in 1965, the first store was established in Old Montreal. Over the decades, Steve’s Music expanded to include a significant presence in Ottawa and Toronto. In Ottawa, the store was a cherished part of the ByWard Market for more than 40 years before relocating to Centretown last year, primarily due to rising crime rates in the previous area.

Dan Sauvé, the Ottawa store manager, has been with the company for over 25 years. He expressed a sense of acceptance regarding the closures, noting that they had been observing market trends for some time. “We all work in the music industry, so we know how to pivot and adapt to changing conditions,” Sauvé commented, hinting at a shift towards online retail.

Community Reaction

• Musicians and customers are devastated by the news.
• Jon Granda, a percussionist, expressed that this is disappointing for the Ottawa music community.
• Frédéric Laforge, a long-time customer, lamented the lack of support for local artists.

Granda described the situation as “terrible news,” emphasizing the limited options for music stores in downtown Ottawa. Laforge echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges faced by smaller music retailers in the competitive landscape.

Future Outlook

While there is no definitive closing date announced for the Ottawa location, the shift to mostly online operations signifies a broader trend within the retail sector. The closure of brick-and-mortar locations raises concerns about the future availability of music equipment for artists, as hands-on experiences are critical for musicians when selecting instruments.

Despite the impending store closures, the Montreal location remains a cornerstone of the city’s music scene, continuing to attract local musicians and enthusiasts alike. The transition to a digital marketplace is seen as a necessary evolution in response to changing consumer habits.

Steve’s Music’s decision marks a significant transition in the music retail industry, reflecting both challenges and adaptations to the marketplace. The legacy of the business will always hold a special place in the hearts of many musicians in Ontario and Quebec.