OCT. 27 I DADDY'S JUNKY MUSIC I CLOSING
Daddy's Junky Music Closes All Stores

After 39 years in business, Daddy's Junky Music has suddenly closed.

The Manchester, N.H.-based combo retailer, which had 12 stores throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont, ceased operations as of the close of business on Oct. 26. On the company's website, a note said, "Thank you for a wonderful 39 years."

Company founder and CEO Fred Bramante attributed the closing to difficult economic conditions and increased competition from online retailers, according to New Hampshire Union Leader. He also told The Dedham Transcript that he couldn't go into specifics about reasons for the closure because of "pending legal issues."

"This is one of the worst days of my life," he added. "I'm brokenhearted."

According to New Hampshire Union Leader, Daddy's employed 52 full-time and 14 part-time employees.

By the morning of Oct. 27, more than 80 people posted comments on Daddy's Facebook page. Several complained about having items on layaway, unclaimed gift cards or instruments at its repair shops at the time of closure.

Earlier this year, Daddy's had 19 stores, but in July, it announced it would be closing seven of them and devote more resources to its online business.

"We will provide a better presentation in markets where our experience tells us a brick-and-mortar presence still works for Daddy's," Bramante said at the time. "Our online presentation will continue to play a larger role and, in tandem with our 12 stores, presents the appropriate format to service our customers and position Daddy's for success in the future."

Bramante founded Daddy's in 1972 and also served on the NAMM board in the 1990s. The company has won multiple Retail Excellence Awards from Music Inc.