Gak Music Emporium: A Sudden Closure Leaves Customers and Neighbours in the Dark

A Brighton Institution Temporarily Shuttered

The iconic Gak Music Emporium on North Road, Brighton, has been closed since Tuesday, March 25. The shop’s distinctive yellow storefront now has its shutters drawn, and a sign in the window states it is “closed for maintenance.” The sign also apologizes for the inconvenience caused.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Closure

Speculation about the closure of this popular musical instrument retailer has been growing online. On Friday morning, staff were spotted inside the shop but were unable to provide any comment on the situation due to legal constraints.

One customer, who had ordered a guitar, expressed frustration at being left in the dark regarding their purchase. In an email sent on Wednesday, a Gak employee explained, “Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the shop is closed and we’re unable to do any trading for the time being.”

A Legacy of Over 30 Years

Gak, which stands for Guitar, Amp, and Keyboard, has been a cornerstone of Brighton’s North Laine for more than three decades. In 2021, the independent retailer was acquired by co-managing directors Max McKellar and Ian Stephens, with plans to grow the store’s online presence as part of a new business strategy.

Despite repeated attempts for comment, the store’s management has remained silent. At the time of the acquisition, Mr. McKellar and Mr. Stephens emphasized their optimism about the business’s future, stating, “While Gak and the music industry have encountered and overcome challenges in recent years, we are now perfectly placed to take advantage of both short and long-term opportunities. We also have an exceptional workforce and very experienced and talented management team.”