End of an era as JG Windows closes its doors
It has been supplying the region’s music lovers - and some of its biggest music stars - for nearly 125 years, but it has been announced that Newcastle music shop, JG Windows has closed for good.
One of the North East’s best known retail fixtures, the company - whose flagship store was in Newcastle city centre’s Central Arcade - was the go-to place for anyone looking for musical instruments, sheet music and vinyl records.
Stars such as Bryan Ferry, Mark Knopfler and members of Lindisfarne often namecheck Windows when recounting their early days and ambitions as musicians in the region.
While stores in the MetroCentre and Darlington had closed in 2022 and 2018 respectively, the Central Arcade HQ had kept going.
Efforts to sell the business have been made over the past year, but in a world where so much retail has migrated online - and to a decreasing number of dominant companies and corporations - it has been judged that the business can no longer survive.
Liquidators have been called in and 17 employees have been made redundant.
Closing with immediate effect a sign in its windows reads:
“It is with great sadness that we announce that JG Windows has closed permanently. After having served our loyal customers across the North East and beyond with all things musical since 1908, and being a cornerstone of the region’s musical heritage, our small business can no longer compete with large online retailers, and with heavy hearts we have had to take the difficult decision to close.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, custom and friendship.”
Commenting on the closure, Lindisfarne’s founding drummer, Ray Laidlaw, who reunited at the store with former bandmates Ray Jackson and Rod Clements last year for an acoustic performances and signing event, said: “JG Windows has been part of my life for 60 years.
“It’s a sad day for music lovers on Tyneside, something has gone that can’t be replaced.”