Shutting down of Just Music signals the conclusion of a significant era in Berlin's music scene.

JustMusic, once Europe's largest instrument shop, has closed its doors for good, marking the end of an era for the music industry in Germany. The flagship store, located in the 100-year-old Elsnerhaus on Moritzplatz in Berlin, closed down at the end of March.

Spanning 7,000 square metres across five floors, JustMusic was a significant part of the music industry in Berlin for an undisclosed period of time. It offered a wide variety of musical instruments and gear, including guitar centres, drum studios, and equipment for electronic music producers. The store was a popular destination for musicians, DJs, and music enthusiasts alike.

The closure of JustMusic is a reflection of the decline of high street music stores and the shift towards online retailers. The company's financial struggles, which led to the closure of its branches in Hamburg, Munich, and Dortmund in 2021, are attributed to a lack of demand for high-cost musical products, rising inflation, staffing issues, and customers shifting to online retailers.

The loss of JustMusic is a reflection of the broader trend away from physical music stores. Aspiring musicians may miss out on the haptic experience of trying out new musical instruments due to the closure of JustMusic. Sales of guitars are dropping worldwide due to the loss of physical music stores like JustMusic.

However, the rise of online retailers doesn't mean the end of the music industry. German online music retailer Thomann recorded €1.4 billion in revenue last year, demonstrating the potential for online sales in the music industry.

Despite the closure, JustMusic was not just a store, but also played a significant role in the local music scene. It served as an important hub for Berlin's music community, providing a space for customers to try out and purchase a wide range of musical instruments. The closing of JustMusic's flagship store marks a loss for the music community in Berlin.

JustMusic was founded in Berlin in 1977 and had branches across Germany. Its closure marks the end of the company's physical presence in Germany after over 40 years of business. The closure of JustMusic's flagship store may make it more difficult for musicians to find essential items like guitar strings and cables, but the music industry continues to evolve and adapt.

Shutting down of Just Music signals the conclusion of a significant era in Berlin's music scene.