Moog Music announced today that they had closed the Moog factory store in Asheville, NC, after 13 years via an official statement.
In today’s digitally connected world, you can buy your Synthesizer from the comfort of your couch and deliver it to your home door. But you can also go to a shop, which is a very classic and different experience because you can try out the synth before you purchase it.
Only a few developers even offer the opportunity to buy the instruments directly where they are made. One of these immediate experiences is now history. Moog has closed its popular Moog factory store in Ashville forever.
Moog Music Factory Store
The Moog Store opened its doors in 2011 and was a meeting point for Synthesizer fans. You could play and explore the entire Moog lineup here, buy merchandise, and other things. A highlight was the opportunity to take part in a Moog Factory tour.
It is now over 13 years after its opening. This decision was made by the new owner, InMusic, which bought the company in June 2023 after it got into a difficult financial situation.
This sad step was probably necessary to get the company back on track. They published an official statement on the closure.
Since opening in 2011, the Moog Store has served as a public portal to the Moog factory, inviting passionate synthesists to come inside and experience the sonic capabilities of Moog first-hand, as well as have access to new electronic instruments and devices in person. Containing 60 years of revolutionary synthesizer technology, the Moog Store has been a destination for those who wish to create, explore, and be inspired.
As we prepare for the next chapter of Moog Music, the Moog Store will be closing its doors. Our factory will remain open, and our talented engineers will still be in there, hand-crafting the instruments that define us. Our shift away from brick-and-mortar sales allows us greater bandwidth to focus on researching and developing the next generation of synthesizers and support more classic Moog releases.
To those who have visited the store to explore our instruments, participate in our workshops and factory tours, and engage with our engineers and designers, we have the utmost gratitude. We encourage everyone to visit the Moogseum in downtown Asheville at 56 Broadway Street where Bob Moog’s legacy is carried forward through education and archive preservation. We too are committed to his legacy of innovation and excellence and look forward to sharing the work we have been doing with you all soon
The Moog Music Factory Store is history. Sad! However, if you are in Asheville, visit the Moogseum, directed by Bob Moog’s daughter, Michelle Moog-Koussa. Here, you can experience Bob Moog’s legacy and explore various synths in person.
More information here: Moog Music
If Moog Music is now officially endorsing and referring fans to Michelle Moog-Koussa’s Moogseum, then that’s a very positive step in the right direction for the company and the new ownership. We hope the Bob Moog Foundation sees some financial support from InMusic as well! A brand-new store, co-located with the Moogseum, would be a capital idea;)
Even with the wobbly pots of Ashville’s best. Thank God, Bob didn’t see this.