Once a titan in the American retail landscape, Sam Goody has officially announced the impending closure of its last two physical stores. This marks the end of an era for a brand that once dominated the music retail sector.

At its height, Sam Goody boasted a staggering number of over 800 locations across the United States. It became a beloved destination for music enthusiasts, with its memorable slogan, “Goody Got It,” etched in the memories of countless shoppers. The stores were a vibrant part of mall culture, catering to a diverse clientele with a wide range of musical genres.

However, like many brick-and-mortar businesses, Sam Goody faced significant challenges due to the rise of digital downloads and streaming services that transformed how consumers access music. Since 2022, the company has managed to keep only two locations operational—one in the Ohio Valley Mall located in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and the other in the Rogue Valley Mall in Medford, Oregon. Sadly, both stores are now preparing to close their doors permanently.

Watch a Classic Sam Goody ‘Goody Got It’ Commercial From 1985

Rick Polanski, the longtime manager of the St. Clairsville location, shared his thoughts on the changes, stating, “It’s changed over the years, and it sucks – I put two-thirds of my life into this place.” He reminisced about the store’s peak performance, recalling that it once generated $2 million in revenue. Polanski expressed a sense of helplessness in the face of evolving market conditions, which have drastically altered the retail landscape.

Reflecting on his decades-long journey, Polanski added, “It’s been a good run,” noting the valuable connections he made over his 40 years at the store. He emphasized that the friendships he formed and the community he built will be what he misses the most.

Important Dates: The Final Closure of Sam Goody Locations

According to The Times Leader, the St. Clairsville Sam Goody store is set to officially close its doors in February. However, representatives from the Medford location have yet to provide a definitive timeline for its closure, leaving some uncertainty for its loyal customers.

The history of Sam Goody dates back to the 1950s, when it was founded by Sam “Goody” Gutowitz as a single record store on 49th Street in New York City. The brand quickly expanded, evolving into a national phenomenon that became synonymous with music retail.

In 1978, Gutowitz sold the chain to American Can Company, which integrated Sam Goody with its existing record store brand, Musicland. Subsequent acquisitions, including the Southern California chain Licorice Pizza, positioned Sam Goody as one of America’s largest music retailers. However, the turn of the millennium brought financial woes, leading to a series of ownership changes involving companies like Best Buy, Trans World Entertainment, and Sunrise Records, all of which struggled to revitalize the brand.

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