UP CLOSE: With long-running Macclesfield music store Margin Music
Meet the Macclesfield music store that is the longest-running business on Market Place.
Margin Music has served skilled musicians of Macclesfield since 1986.
In that time, the store has survived nine prime ministers, three recessions and one global pandemic.
The pandemic brought on a lot of changes to the business, but the shop still retains the same independent charm and passion for music.
And still at the helm is Mary Kirkpatrick, a former music teacher who met with Macclesfield Nub News for a candid chat about her company.
"The first year of the store was testing, but then after I decided to leave my job as a music teacher and focus full-time on here", she said.
"I estimate at least 60% of musicians in Macclesfield have had a connection with the store. Whether that is as a student, teacher, customer, shop assistant, or on work experience!
The shop has evolved with the times over the years.
They used to sell vinyl records, but as CDs came in they started to move away from recorded music and go all in on instruments.
They used to teach instruments to all-ages upstairs, providing a venue for independent Macclesfield music tutors.
However, following COVID and the rise of home-learning there are less lessons than there used to be. (Though this is still an option for budding musicians, with drum and guitar lessons still on the second floor).
In recent years, they have sold more ukuleles than ever, as it has become more fashionable than the recorder as an affordable, simple starter instrument for little musicians.
Beyond instruments, the shop also sells sheet music and ceramic mugs of your favourite rock band. Cables, amps and earplugs are also big sellers.
The shop also does their bit for charity by having a charity pot for The Christie at their tills, which opened a site in Macclesfield in December 2021.
Mary, a keen keyboard and saxophone player, bought the building with her husband when it was derelict and has now turned it into one of Macclesfield's longest-running high street fixtures.
"Brass and woodwind instruments have gone into decline because of COVID", added Mary.
"Anything that you blow into had no chance.
"Our main depth of stock is now guitars, taking over many years ago from keyboards and disco equipment.
"The benefit of this is that most people wisely prefer to try a guitar before buying so are less likely to turn to the internet."
"The business is named Margin as I was doodling on a piece of scrap paper and it had that word on it. I thought it described us perfectly.
"Where we are positioned as a shop it is sort of on the edge of town, and as a business we try to work our margins so we can sell things quickly. [It is also a term when describing decibels].
"I love our location. The rates are lower at the outskirts of town and there are lots of independent businesses near."
Alongside the support of the Macclesfield community, Mary's drive and love of performing music has played a part in the longevity of Margin.
"I really believe a town this size should have a music shop," she emphasised.
"If the shop is doing well, I will take some money out. But if the shop is doing badly, I will put it all back into the shop.
Her loyalty is infectious. Mary has incredible staff retention. Both retail assistants Amanda and Simon have worked in the shop for over 30 years.
"I still remember Simon first coming here as a teenager, I feel very strongly about a responsibility to my staff as well," she also said.
"Ben from Macclesfield band Smugglin' Budgies also helps out.
"Thank you to everyone in Macclesfield for your support over the years, we can't wait to be here for many more."
Margin Music is located on 3 Market Place, Macclesfield, SK10 1EB.
Macclesfield: Got any enquiries for Margin Music? Contact them on 01625 619013.
Click here to head to their website and here to follow them on Facebook.
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