Future of iconic Queen West retailer Steve's Music unclear as store liquidates inventory
CBC
The future of Steve's Music Store remains unclear after the chain announced plans to downsize operations, but news of the possible closure of the Toronto music institution has had visitors flocking to get in on liquidation sales and reminisce about the iconic Queen Street W. site.
In recent days, the retailer posted a statement to its website saying it will be holding in-store liquidation sales and that “certain locations” will close, but it did not specify how many — or which ones — will be shutting down.
CBC News reached out to vice-president Michael Kirman — son of founder Steve Kirman — to confirm if Toronto's Queen West location will shutter, but he did not respond to requests for comment. Calls to the retail chain's toll-free line for clarification on closures were deferred to Kirman.
Stefano Carpino, the manager of the Toronto location, said the Queen West store will hold a liquidation sale for 30 to 45 days but after that, the store's future is unclear.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen next,” he said.
Ottawa store manager Dan Sauvé previously told CBC News that the plan is to close all but the Montreal location, but that hasn't been confirmed by head office.
As news of its possible closure looms, Carpino said it's gotten so busy on some days that it's been hard to move around.
“I can’t believe it’s [going] away,” said Clifton Corbin, a longtime customer. “I’m going to miss the vibes. Just going into Steve’s and perusing around, it’s always been a great time for me.”
Since opening its Toronto location in 1977, the store’s bold yellow signage and vast assortment of instruments have drawn in visitors from across the city and beyond. Among them — Jack White, the frontman for rock band White Stripes, Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis and Zakk Wylde, lead guitarist for “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne, according to the store's Instagram posts.
“It’s iconic … it’d be sad to see it go,” said Corbin.
Jeff Galad stopped by the store on Monday. He said he’ll miss the in-person experience that Steve’s offered.
“People who work here are so passionate and are subject matter experts, so you can actually get good advice that you can’t get [from] shopping online and e-commerce,” he said.
“These are people who work their whole careers in music and instruments.”
Steve’s Music Store first opened in Montreal in 1965. Its founder, Steve Kirman, was just 19 at the time.
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