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Posted on Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 5:48 a.m.

Ann Arbor's Julie's Music closing shop; last day will be Sept. 15

By Laura Blodgett

Julie’s Music, the spinoff of King’s Keyboard specializing in sheet music, is closing after four years.

“We have been struggling since 2008 with everything going on in the economy,” say owner Julie King, who said the decision was due to a combination of factors but declined to go into specifics.

King had to make the decision to close the store, 2361 E. Stadium Blvd., last week, and the final day of business will be Sept. 15. Ironically, the store has been very busy the last few days with teachers finding out the news and coming in quickly to get their music in place for the school year.

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Julie King, owner of Julie's Music, says she is looking forward to a new career direction in her life. “I’m looking for a job. I’ve already got some leads on jobs in both the music world and other areas. I’m not exactly sure what will be next for me yet.”

File photo by Janet Miller | For AnnArbor.com

“We did a lot of business with U-M, EMU and other music departments, and I feel bad that the timing isn’t the greatest with school starting shortly.”

Although King knows she has to spread the word, it is a very emotional time for her. “I want everyone to know that I really appreciate their support and loyalty over the years.”

The store is marking down many items including opera scores, Broadway musicals and band instrumentals. King anticipates more sales pricing to come.

She will be closing shop completely. “We really did try to open an online business previously, but I never found someone to run it. I couldn’t do that plus run the storefront so that never took off.”

King is looking forward to a new career direction in her life. “I’m looking for a job. I’ve already got some leads on jobs in both the music world and other areas. I’m not exactly sure what will be next for me yet.”

The hours through Sept. 15 will remain 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and Saturday 10-5.

King will have recommendations where teachers and parents can go in the future to fill their sheet music needs. She suggests calling the store at 734-663-3382 for a list of sources.

The space is currently available for rent, according to Robert McCoy, the attorney who represents RIM Management Company, which owns the building.

King’s Keyboard House, run by Julie King’s brother Jim King, will remain open as usual.

Laura Blodgett is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.

Comments

AAmom

Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.

We will miss you, Julie! I am very sad to hear of your wonderful store closing. I always enjoyed stopping in to browse piano literature and of course, chatting with you! I wish you the very best with your next project!

catcal

Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 9:40 a.m.

I'm sad to hear this news. We've enjoyed great service for so many years - Julie and her staff are always friendly and so willing to find what we've needed. Best of luck Julie!

Sherry Knight

Tue, Aug 24, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.

Sad to read this, Julie! We'll miss you.