Con Gallin Confirms Purchase Of Allans Billy Hyde Stores

Melbourne based musical instrument retailer Con Gallin has confirmed the purchase of the Allans Music and Billy Hyde.

Gallin, who is the Managing Director of Australian Musical Imports and Gallin's Musician's Pro Shop had been the highest-profile bidder on the debt-ridden stores since parent company Australian Music Group Holdings went into receivership. He repeatedly told theMusic.com.au that his bids for the retail store chain had been knocked back but has now confirmed a deal which was rumoured to have been green-lit last week.

Gallin has confirmed that from the existing stores, the Southport (QLD), Sydney, Alexandria, Parramatta (all NSW), Adelaide (SA) and Blackburn and Bourke Street, Melbourne (all VIC) locations will continue to trade, with the “majority” of staff from those locations to be kept on. Although this means there will be losses, it is a far better outcome from what was feared.

Gallin said, “My first job part time while at school was at Allans Music in Collins Street, Melbourne, and now I bought the company, although it wasn't an easy decision as it's going to take a lot of hard work and commitment to rejuvenate these stores.

“We couldn't sit back and let Allans' 160 year history and Billy Hyde's 50 year history of supplying instruments to musicians disappear forever. Mozart bought his first keyboard somewhere 250 years ago and The Beatles bought guitars and drums 50 years ago - the world will always need music and music stores offer everyone an opportunity to create it!”

“Our passion is to be the best musical industry business in Australia for the benefit of our customers, both beginners and professional. Music and musicians is what it's all about and the only reason we exist.”

The deal is effective immediately. The current liquidation sale will continue, with stock from the AMI/Gallin's warehouse and suppliers set to replenish those existing stores and extend the sale to Christmas.

The backline hire division of Billy Hyde had already been sold.