Australian retailer sanity has announced to officially shut down all 50 stores while aiming to build a successful online business. It’s a renowned music store that would be ceasing the operation of all its bricks and mortar stores around Australia.
Ray Itaoui who brought the company 13 years ago said (PDF), ‘’ “Our online business – sanity.com.au – will continue to operate. we will service the many loyal customers the brand has continued to be dedicated to over the decades,” Brett Blundy, a business heavyweight, founded Sanity in 1980 with a single store called Jetts in Pakenham, Victoria. Initially, Jetts sold vinyl records and cassette tapes.
In 1992, the brand underwent a relaunch as Sanity. Opening its first outlet under the new name in Doncaster, located in Melbourne’s north-east.
Customer shift to digital for their visual and music content
According to Itaoui, customers are increasingly shifting towards digital platforms for their visual and music content consumption. Due to the diminishing availability of physical content to offer their customers. They find it impossible to sustain their physical stores any longer.
Mr. Itaoui expressed pride in the brand’s history and success. He states, “Brett Blundy built Sanity from the ground up in 1980, becoming one of Australia’s most respected and recognizable retailers. The Sanity brand was synonymous with the go-to place for anything that mattered in the world of music, including vinyl, CDs, DVDs, hardware, accessories, and expert advice.”
He further attributed the business’s prosperity and continued success to the team’s dedication and commitment.
Two Sanity stores in Queensland shutdown
On Sunday, the final two Sanity stores in Queensland, located in Bundaberg and Browns Plains, shut down. However, Sanity has announced it will shut down all stores by the end of April. Mr Itaoui said that the business prospered and remained successful for many years. He also thanks the entire team for their commitment and dedication.
He said, ‘’ I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Sanity team. For the past and present and express my pride around their achievement. Also, thank them for their hard-work, dedication and relentless commitment to ensuring they exceeded customer service expections.
