A town’s only music shop has announced it will close after almost 30 years.
Bosses at Elephant Music, in Gravesend, said it was the “result of a steady downturn in business” after the past few years and the sale of the building.
Speaking to KentOnline, co-owner Rob Sherwood added: “It has not been an easy decision. It is a bit like the end of an era.
“With the building going, that was the final straw. It was the nail in the coffin but we have seen a decline in trade in the past years.
“We are frustrated. It could be so much more with the right location and town centre footfall.
“I do not know if many independent shops will continue to survive.”
Mr Sherwood said the shop, in Harmer Street, has been affected by the closure of the Tilbury Ferry, new parking charges and the popularity of online shopping which they cannot compete with.
Elephant Music has been a music store since 1995 but was taken over around 10 years ago by Rob Sherwood, Lindsey Halberg, Johnny Jukebox, Dennis Halberg and Ross Williams.
Co-owner Dennis passed away in 2022 from cancer and his son Robbie Smithers-Halberg took over the reins as the store manager.
It sells musical instruments, a range of records from new, old and local artists, artwork and secondhand vinyl and hosted music events.
The team had tried to find new, affordable premises but has not secured a new location.
Rob added: “We have a lot of loyal customers who have told us they have been introduced to local bands through the shop.
“With it closing, there are not many places left where that is the case.
“It is more of a community, we are not just shifting boxes and stock.
“It is a place people could come for industry advice, we had rehearsal space and lessons on site and did a lot to support local events.
“Thank you to all our customers. We will try and stay in touch. We will miss the shop.”
In a social media post, the team added: “We have met and made some very special friends whilst running the shop and that to us is priceless.
“Remember to support your local music venue and keep music live.”
Elephant Music will close at the end of July.
