A local business owner with a passion for guitars recently celebrated two years of trade in a thriving musical instrument shop in Main Street, Pembroke.
Sporting new Main Street Music Pembroke T-shirts designed by Charlotte Cortazzi in collaboration with Popty Press are apprentice Tomas Newman, a fantastic solo musician, and owner George Parfitt who took over the business after being approached by previous owner Paul Southwick three years ago on Freshwater East Beach.
George said: “He asked if I would want to take over the business as he knew I was making guitars and had a passion for them. Without hesitation I said yes, and shook his hand right there. I had only recently finished college so the opportunity was too good to pass. The shop was established on Main Street in 2008 and had built up a sterling reputation for their service.”
The shop opened under its new ownership on March 21, 2022, and has gone from strength to strength, attracting a wide customer base - from accomplished musicians like Jodie Marie, Jimmy Brewer and Jess Ward, to children saving up their pennies for their first ukulele.
For its two-year anniversary week, Main Street Music offered a 20 per cent discount on all new guitars and amps in stock.
“The last two years have been incredible and we’re only getting busier each month as the footfall on Pembroke’s Main Street increases,” said George, who was recently interviewed by radio host BB Skone. “We’re often fully booked on repairs for four to eight weeks ahead, which keeps us busy even on rainy days. Having recently updated our website for a ‘Click and Collect’ service, we’re now seeing people coming from all over the county and further afield.
“We have lots of exciting new stock coming in over the next month from premium brands such as Fender, Guild and Gretsch along with an ever changing selection of second hand and vintage items.”
“The vintage stuff tends to sell like hot cakes once I’ve posted it on our social media; the good ones are often snapped up within a few hours,” he added.