The Sound Shop celebrates 50 years in the music business in Ireland
IN an age when so many businesses are suffering due to online sales, it’s rare to see one celebrating a golden anniversary.
And not only is the Sound Shop, Drogheda, marking 50 years in business, but this landmark store is doing so still at the top of their game.
The 12,000 square foot mega store in East Coast Business Park, is still Ireland’s biggest and best!
But the original owners Tommy Leddy and Sean McEvoy, both now retired, have never forgotten where they started.
The shop first opened its doors on 14 North Quay on May 24th, 1968, and in those early years, they both concentrated on selling records and manufacturing sound systems and speakers, some of which are still working to this day!
“I had a great passion for music, having played bass in the Toppers Showband in the 1960s,” recalls Tommy, who is synonymous with all aspects of entertainment in the town.
“When Sean and I started the shop, we headed to Dublin with 200 pounds, where we went straight to Walton’s to buy as much stock as we could, and had to wait until we sold it, ‘ til we could buy more!”
It wasn’t long though until they were granted the agency for Wurlitzer Organs, and that’s when the instrument side of the business really took off, along with the successful Boyne School of Music.
“In 1972, we took over the next-door shop at number 14, but even then, we didn’t have enough space, so in 1976, we bought the iconic Mayoralty House on the North Quay and the rest, as they say is history.” The partners paid the princely sum of 30,000 pounds for the property, however, it needed extensive work before they could move in.
“It was in a terrible state, with families of pigeons living in the roof, and we had to put it back together before we could open,” recalls Tommy.
“But in many ways, it was a heyday for the music business in the town, and from vinyl to CDs, instruments to sound systems, we served the people of the North East and beyond, becoming the main dealer for many brands.”
And that loyalty has served them well in the latest era for Tommy and Sean’s venture. 50 years on from that first little shop, they now not only cater for every type of musical instrument, sheet music, sound system and lessons, but the neighbouring TLT (Tommy Leddy Theatre) attracts some of the best local, national and international acts to the town.
“My son Adam looks after the Sound Shop now, along with a great staff, but I do find it hard to stay away sometimes,” admits Tommy.
“Hopefully he will continue what we started, and we can keep on serving the people of the North East for at least another 50 years.”