December 30, 2023 I Closure
Dave Phillips Music & Sound Shutters
Dave Phillips Music & Sound, a Phillipsburg, New Jersey-based MI retailer that had been serving musicians since 1977 with instrument sales, repairs and lessons, held its last day of business on Dec. 30, 2023.
Owner Joe DiMarco, who took over operations of the store a few years ago, made the announcement on Dec. 26, 2023, on the company’s Facebook page.
“This was an excruciating decision to have to make, but was only done so after exploring every possible alternative,” DiMarco wrote in the Facebook post. “Unfortunately, I can’t see a different way forward at this time … I’m happy that I was able to keep the tradition alive for another three years. I want to thank you, our customers, for your gracious support and the best staff in the business for their dedication. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity of having connected so many to the magic that is music.”
Two days after the announcement was made, the Facebook post had received some 770 reactions and 252 comments — mostly of customers sharing fond memories of the indie music shop.
Founder Dave Phillips began working as an electronics tech at another music shop and, after several years, established himself as an expert by local musicians and opened his first store in 1977 with his wife, Alice.
