Scott Skinner to close Adelaide Hills’ only music store, Treble and Bass, by January 31
He wanted to run the Hills’ only music shop until his retirement – but a harsh economic climate is bringing his dream to an early end.
A downturn in sales is forcing the closure of the Adelaide Hills’ only music shop, bringing the owner’s dream to an end after nine years in business.
Owner Scott Skinner, 47, said when he first opened Treble and Bass at Mount Barker in early 2017, sales had grown in a steady climb as he enjoyed the “exciting ride” – but that had changed over the past few years.
“It doesn’t make any money – simple as that,” he said. “Since the cost of living started climbing … a lot of what we do becomes a luxury.
“As much as I would like to continue – I love doing what I’m doing and I’ve met some incredible people – I can’t feed the family on the income I made last year.”
Mr Skinner, who is legally blind, said looking for a new job was a “very daunting concept”.
He and his wife Tracy, who have two teenage children, opened the store after previously running a cleaning franchise together.
“It began as a random idea,” Mr Skinner said. “(Tracy) said one day, ‘So, what are you doing next? You’re starting to miss stuff because of your eyesight – before someone complains, what are we going to do with you?’
“I’ve been a musician for most of my life. My daughter had begun piano lessons. There was no option for buying that stuff up here, so we were constantly trying to figure out how to get down to the city.
“We had this idea … and we had a go.”
Mr Skinner said they had taken a gamble, knowing brick-and-mortar music retailers were struggling to compete with online sellers.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “When a child comes in and wants to try an electric guitar for the first time, and watching the face light up, that kind of stuff is what I enjoy the most.
“I love helping juniors and the mums starting out; the kids that have never done instruments before and are beginning new lessons.”
The Mount George resident, who has played guitar for 30 years, said he first wanted to move the business to a new location before the lease expired next year.
“Speaking to our accountant, he said, ‘You can’t afford what you’re doing’. The decision was made (to close),” Mr Skinner said.
“Not an easy decision, I can assure you. I had every intention of being here as my last source of employment, until the day I retire.”
Responding to the business announcing its impending closure on Facebook, customers said the store had been “truly a blessing to the Hills” and “so great for years”.
The shop is set to close by January 31.
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Originally published as Scott Skinner to close Adelaide Hills’ only music store, Treble and Bass, by January 31
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