A new music shop is set to open in one of the large empty properties in Knaresborough in a move that will help to reinvigorate the town after lockdown.
The Music Bank, which is due to open on October 3, will be based in the old Barclays bank on the high street. It will sell instruments and offer music tuition.
Its owner, David Lombardi, wanted a place for customers to see and touch the instruments as well as a base to run an online store.
Mr Lombardi said:
“After carrying out extensive market research in the area we found that there are very few music stores available in the Knaresborough, Harrogate area and saw this as an opportunity to fill that void.“Whilst the world is certainly a changed place given current and recent events, our business was one of a few that prospered throughout the lockdown with more people taking to instruments than ever before.“Musical instruments will always have a place on our high streets. People like to make sure it feels right, looks right and sounds right before they make a purchase.”
Well-known brands will be sold at the shop, encouraging customers to come in and browse.
The Music Bank already has a tuition centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire teaching over 70 students each week.
The shop is currently advertising for seven jobs, including full-time and part-time staff for the shop and music tutors.
The new store comes as high streets try to regain customers after months of lockdown.
Knaresborough Chamber of Trade welcomed the new addition to the high street.
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“It’s wonderful that such a specialist shop can consider Knaresborough. It’s a prime position and we welcome them with open arms.
“We know of five shops, including this one, coming to the town at a similar time. I think the people of Knaresborough will benefit during these strange times. A couple of years ago we had 22 empty shops, which is greatly reducing. We only have a few empty shops left now.”
The shop will further widen Knaresborough’s appeal to shoppers. A pet shop opened last month despite the pandemic.
