It was the first music shop I went to when my family moved to Louisville in 1990. I was 10 years old and had no idea of the company I was in when I first walked through those doors. Local and global music legends have repeatedly walked through the same doors and continued to do so as I grew up to play guitar. Neil Young and Bob Dylan know the doors I speak of. The doors that lead from the hustle and bustle of Bardstown Rd. into a wooden wonderland with walls of guitars. Guitar Emporium is yet another Highlands staple that will be missed dearly.
Fortunately, business is booming at Guitar Emporium. I’m happy to say that there’s no sad story of how the internet took over their business. There’s no angry stories of employees hating their boss. Just a time to move on. Although it is sad to see them go, it can also be looked at as a party of sorts. Owners Jimmy Brown and wife, Mary Jane Aboud have decided to retire after 38 magical years of running this successful Highlands guitar paradise. They have a new grandchild and a new chapter of life to begin. I say congratulations to them both!
Jimmy and Mary Jane wanted to sell Guitar Emporium to an employee, but unfortunately the financing fell through. They decided that it would still be time for retirement. So doors will close for the last time on March 9, 2013. We have exactly one month left. I am hopeful that someone will come along with the funds to buy it and keep it running! If not, we had better get there while we can. Guitar Emporium will be having a major sale from February 16 through closing on March 9 as a thank you to customers. Just in case you are the one with the funds to take this place over and continue its operation, Guitar Emporium grosses about $1.5 million a year and has a long time, dedicated, amazing staff of five.
If not, the store will be missed and remembered forever. Rock on, Guitar Emporium.
Highlands Home Place 