Consignment Music located on Park Avenue between Goodlett and Getwell will close before Christmas this year. The closing means a loss of convenience for local musicians, but could promise a new restaurant or attraction.
For 39 years, Consignment Music has been a go-to shop for musicians living in the University of Memphis area. Now, the family-operated business has put the facility up for sale and has a serious buyer who could bring a new restaurant—the owner of Central Barbecue.
Consignment Music employee Dylan Leake said he cherishes the personal interactions and relationships he has had over time while working there.
“We’ve always had a flow of regular customers, like kids trying to learn guitar,” Leake said. “But I love getting to know the random people, celebrities and tourists who come by here.”
Consignment Music offers the only 24-hour equipment vending machine in Memphis, and has inspired the design elsewhere across the country. However, within the store itself lies history.
“Hustle and Flow,” among the most well-known films to be shot in Memphis, featured scenes inside of Consignment Music. While guitars and drums fill the walls of the building, rappers from the Memphis area have found comfort in Consignment Music.
“My first week working here 8Ball and MJG walked in,” said Dylan Leake. “So like that was pretty cool; wasn’t expecting to see those guys.”
The decision to close Consignment Music has been finalized, but the dates and details are yet to be determined. According to Leake, there will be some kind of sale on the remaining instruments and equipment once the store is officially sold.
“Thanksgiving to Christmas can be hectic,” Leake said. “It’s going to be weird if we’re not here, because it’s always our busiest time.”
Leake’s father, Evan, also works at Consignment Music. He said that he takes pride in how he helps customers. He also said he thinks Consignment Music offers a unique experience that will be missed.
“I love meeting the friendly faces in here,” Leake said. “If anybody comes in for a guitar, I’ll show them around and work with them, they don’t just come check out.”
The future of the Leake family and their passion for Memphis and music is uncertain. The idea of an online music store is an option according to Dylan Leake.
For UofM area musicians, this means finding a new place for equipment. Now, the closest stores remaining to campus are Circle Music on Poplar, and Martin Music in midtown.
Consignment Music, located at 4040 Park Ave., will likely hold sales before the official closure according to Leake. The store provided a unique vending machine and served local musicians for years.
