Dawsons Music will relaunch after its acquisition by Vista Musical Instruments with an online and physical stores. The music retailer, which held a branch on Portland Street, Manchester, has traded for more than 120 years since it was founded in 1898 in Warrington. However, it was forced to close stores in recent years including the Manchester branch in 2021.
Now, Vista Musical Instruments have acquired the business with the aim of injecting fresh energy and innovation in to the brand, promising to preserve the company’s legacy whilst unveiling a modern and captivating aesthetic with an expansive selection of equipment, accessories, lifestyle products and merchandise.
“As one of the oldest music retailers in the UK, Dawsons holds a special place in the hearts of musicians and fans alike around the country,” says Meng Ru Kuok, Vista Musical Instruments CEO. “Countless musicians have found their first instruments or made their initial foray into the world of music through Dawsons. This legacy of nurturing talent and supporting aspiring musicians remains an integral part of Dawsons’ identity and something we care about deeply at Vista Musical Instruments. With such a rich heritage, and our ability as a group to rebuild this legacy name and supply an extensive, high-quality product range, the business aligns perfectly with our family of brands and vision for Vista Musical Instruments and we are proud to leverage our extensive retail experience as stewards of the brand’s future.”
Vista Musical Instrument will run Dawsons under Caldecott Music Group which also owns NME Networks.