End of an era: SA reminisces about Musica as popular chain closes down
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
Image: Arena File photo
Mzansi has reacted with sadness to the news that Musica will be shutting its doors after several years of decline.
On Thursday, TimesLIVE reported that the Clicks Group said it had decided to close Musica due to the shift to digital consumption of music, movies and games, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Musica has been operating in a declining market for several years owing to the structural shift globally to the digital consumption of music, movies and games from the traditional physical format,” said Clicks Group.
“The inevitable demise of the brand has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in the rapid decline in foot traffic in destination malls where Musica stores are typically located.”
Musica has closed 19 stores since the start of the 2021 financial year and is now trading from 59 outlets. The remaining stores will be closed as leases expire over the next four months.
On social media, many users shared their memories of the outlet that has been operating for 29 years. Other said they were not shocked about the closure because “the writing has been on the wall”.
Here is a snapshot of some of the reactions.
R.I.P. Musica, shutting down after 29 years. Was my favorite store to buy TV series, movies and music albums. Some stores are still open for now, though once their leases expire, it's the end of an era. pic.twitter.com/hyRXuas1t5
— Jo V. Lande (@JoVLande) January 28, 2021
Musica closing down? This one hits hard. The music store I’d go to as a kid to browse albums. They held us down for a long time, truly the end of an era
— 𝖒𝖔𝖔𝖘𝖆 ✞ (@moosa_) January 28, 2021
I will forever cherish the moments when I would save my lunch money so that I could go to musica after school for the R5 per 15 minutes listening sessions. I would listen to CD albums I couldn't afford the entire afternoon before I go home. End of an era indeed. https://t.co/fNdOXsWzL0
— Billie Archer (@billie_____) January 28, 2021
With Musica closing down, it's just another reminder that innovation will always give u something new to chew on. This was inevitable, intact it's long over due. The physical distribution setup never favoured the creatives anyway. Let's embrace the new age nd make it work for us.
— #AbaDibone™ (@Aliphatik) January 28, 2021
I wanted to start a vinyl collection and their stores were convenient that’s the sad part about Musica closing down.
— Angilwi (@Mzombe) January 28, 2021
Musica stores are closing? 💔
— Sleepless In Academia (T’Diz) (@tondimul) January 28, 2021
Loved hanging out there as a kid and as an adult, I've also enjoyed buying CDs and DVDs there for my collection.
It's a shame.
Musica closing down is an example of our stores failing to re-invent. The writing has been on the wall. Many stores will fall soon due to lack of innovation. Consumer pattern has changed significantly.
— Mmei wa Ga Matjuda (@Selematju) January 28, 2021
CD store Musica is closing down? I was really angry until I remembered it’s not 2009.
— Chester Missing (@chestermissing) January 28, 2021
Musica tota failed to rebrand . We’ve been having Bluetooth connections in cars for more than 10years now. Things have greatly changed. The closing was going to happen even without Corona tbh. It’s been long overdue.
— femme mariée (@Kushiiiiiie) January 28, 2021
READ MORE
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.