Media Play stores closing
Move affects 61 outlets, including all 5 in Utah
Musicland spokeswoman Laurie Bauer confirmed the closures and told the Deseret Morning News that its Media Play chain, which includes 61 stores in 18 states, "has not been profitable for years."
"The team has worked extremely hard to turn it around without success," Bauer said. "Finding the niche for Media Play has been difficult. The store has been impacted by negative industry trends, particularly in music and movies, by competition both from big box and discount, as well as online."
Media Play's concept blended entertainment media components books, movies, music, consumer electronics, and related merchandise in a big-box format. The Midvale, Salt Lake City/Redwood Road, Brickyard Plaza, Riverdale and Orem locations are affected in Utah. About 150 full- and part-time employees will be affected by the closures in the state.
Bauer said Media Play is notifying customers of the closures via radio and television advertising and direct mail to members of its customer loyalty program, Replay. Media Play began a markdown sale on Sunday, Bauer said, and all sales are now final. The company will accept return/exchanges only until Friday for purchases made prior to Sunday, Bauer said.
Replay members can continue to earn and redeem points online, or at Musicland's other chains, Sam Goody and Suncoast. As of Sunday, Media Play stopped selling gift cards. Previously purchased cards can be redeemed until the stores close in January at Media Play stores, or may be redeemed at Sam Goody, Suncoast and online, Bauer said.
Musicland Group operates two Sam Goody stores and one Suncoast in Utah, out of a total of 800 across the country, Bauer said.
"We will focus on growing these businesses," she said, including a redesign of the Sam Goody chain.
Sun Capital Partners Inc., a private investment firm based in Florida, took Musicland off the hands of Best Buy Inc. in 2003 two years after Best Buy paid nearly $700 million for the group. Sun Capital Partners paid no cash but assumed all of Musicland's liabilities.
Media Play, which opened in 1992, has 2,000 employees.
Contributing: Associated Press
E-mail: jnii@desnews.com
Comments
- Utah eligible for federal flu grants 4:05 p.m.
- Attempted murder case refiled 4:05 p.m.
- Cannon sued over unpaid bills 4:04 p.m.
- Women lose court bid to ski jump 4:02 p.m.
- Brandon Bass headed to Magic 4:00 p.m.
- Cowboys' roof replaced for 'aesthetics' 4:00 p.m.
- Gay sets year's best time in 100m at... 3:58 p.m.
- Spongebob still in shape 3:54 p.m.
- Steroid tests yield few positives 3:53 p.m.
- CEU biz team excels at convention 3:35 p.m.
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Okur signs two-year extension
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Mall owner seeks to retain zoning
- Letters: Palin mistreated
141 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
137 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
133 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - LDS seminary principal arrested
95 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
89 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
82 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
funny that oftentimes on this website, I see commenters go for the jugular of...
umm are you all kidding me here? the comments on the whole "it takes two to...
Actually Sosotmayor did NOT follow the law, the law says if a person...
Brother Pratt was my teacher a few years ago. I loved him, he helped me...
A husband and wife working for the same Police Department?
Joe i couldnt have said it better myself
This is one BAD dude...Pratt was booked into jail on suspicion of three...
Calling Joe Biden a liar is a bit harsh. He does have a tendency to speak...
Recall the sage warnings of the global Oil giant: The meek will inherit...
Yep they are a business. They are the largest creditor in the inter-mountain...



You can be the first to comment on this story.