Longstanding high street music retailer PMT (Play Music Today) has announced the immediate closure of all its stores after entering administration, marking the end of an era for one of the UK’s last major physical music instrument chains. The abrupt shutdown has been described as a disaster for the UK’s music industry, with many mourning the loss of an essential hub for musicians across the country.
The collapse of PMT will see the closure of 11 stores and one warehouse, resulting in around 150 job losses. Affected locations include major cities such as Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester. The company’s remaining stock has been sold to online music retailer Gear4Music for an estimated £2.4 million, with the sale of assets finalised by joint administrators on June 11.
Once a vital presence on the high street, PMT was known for offering hands-on access to instruments and expert advice for musicians at every level. It was the UK’s largest remaining chain of high street music stores, and a key destination for aspiring artists and professionals alike. Iconic musicians such as Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant were among the store’s many loyal customers.
Jonnie Khan, founder of Leeds-based live performance music school LS18 Rocks, voiced the widespread disappointment over the closure: “This is a disaster for all musicians. Whether you’re a seasoned professional with decades of experience or a complete beginner buying your first guitar, having a physical store where you can try instruments and speak to someone knowledgeable is essential.”
The company’s administrators cited a range of challenges that led to PMT’s downfall, including growing competition from online retailers, falling demand for high-end branded instruments, and soaring operational costs – from rent and business rates to staffing expenses.
Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, commented on the closure in a press release: “It’s been a tough few years for specialist music retailers, who have battled headwinds such as rising costs, shrinking margins, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on consumer behaviour. Despite the board’s best efforts, these pressures proved too great for PMT to overcome. While we’re pleased to have completed a sale of stock and assets to Gear4Music, our immediate focus is supporting the employees affected by this unfortunate closure.”
PMT’s closure leaves a significant gap in the UK’s musical landscape and raises questions about the future of specialist retail in a world increasingly dominated by online commerce.
The company has directed anyone with queries to contact the Administrators’ office on the details below.
