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Inverness music store stays in tune with the times despite coronavirus lockdown


By Ian Duncan

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Paul Bowie of Ness Music. Picture: James Mackenzie
Paul Bowie of Ness Music. Picture: James Mackenzie

Business was surprisingly good for one family-run Inverness city centre music shop during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ness Music, in Academy Street, noticed a rise in online sales and owner Paul Bowie said they were probably making about 60 per cent in sales compared to what they would normally have expected.

He said it had certainly helped and added: “People were looking for home recording products or maybe, because of the lockdown, they were looking for something to do such as starting to learn a new instrument.

“They might have found an old instrument that needed servicing. It helped the business tick over through the website.”

Ness Music is an independent, locally owned music shop which stocks a carefully selected range of musical instruments, accessories, hi-fi separates and systems.

It is primarily a stringed instrument store which specialises in electric and bass guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, PA equipment and more.

Mr Bowie said that people were returning to the city centre with definite purchases in mind. He said: “People were coming in looking to buy stuff rather than looking around.”

Mr Bowie felt that people were gradually growing more confident that they could shop safely and added: “People are having a bit more confidence – we have got all the alcohol-based gels, screens and markings on the floor.

“Provided the track and trace system works, I am quietly confident.”

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