Closure of two Piano Showrooms in Manchester - 2025

At Sykes & Sons Pianos, we are deeply saddened by the recent closures of C. Bechstein’s Manchester showroom and the North West Piano Centre, two institutions that stood at the heart of the region's piano community. Their absence marks the end of an era, not only for us as colleagues in the trade but also for the many musicians, educators, and piano lovers who relied on their expertise and passion.

Photo of C. Bechstein Manchester taken in 2022

C. Bechstein's Manchester showroom was nestled in the vibrant Northern Quarter, and although it had only been operating for just three years, it had quickly become more than just a retail space. It served as a hub for pianists of all levels, offering not only a carefully curated selection of C. Bechstein, W. Hoffmann, and Zimmermann instruments but also rehearsal rooms, recital spaces, and community engagement events. For many musicians in the region, it provided rare access to the world-class brand without needing to travel to London.

C. Bechstein announced the closure in April, citing a “strategic realignment” in its reasoning, choosing to concentrate its resources on its prestigious London venue, Bechstein Hall (which includes both a flagship showroom and concert hall), but the closure reflects the broader economic challenges facing UK retailers. The Manchester showroom closed on April 26th, 2025.

The North West Piano Centre's main showroom in 2018 

Shortly after, we were deeply saddened to also lose the North West Piano Centre, a true cornerstone of the regional piano world. Known for its exceptional selection of high-quality pre-owned Yamaha and Kawai instruments, the centre offered beautifully curated ranges of both grand and upright pianos, thoughtfully suited to all levels and budgets. Their showroom was home to 30 to 40 meticulously prepared pianos at any given time, each one cared for by a dedicated team of skilled tuner-technicians who took immense pride in their craft.

The North West Piano Centre, in particular, held a special place in our hearts, having been a source of immense support to us over the years. Their unwavering commitment to quality and their deep understanding of the needs of pianists and technicians alike made them a valued partner, and beyond that, close personal friends. Their dedication to quality, their generosity of spirit, and the warmth that they extended to everyone they worked with set a standard few could match.

The closures of C. Bechstein Manchester and the North West Piano Centre have left a deep void, and we at Sykes & Sons Pianos feel their loss with very heavy hearts. Both were more than just piano showrooms; they were cherished parts of the city's musical fabric.

These closures are a consequence of the increasing challenges faced by traditional music retailers in the UK. Many retailers are struggling to absorb higher energy bills, rents, wages, taxes, and shipping fees while coping with reduced consumer spending.

Brexit has further compounded the issue by introducing customs checks, tariffs, and delays, which have increased the cost and added complexity to importing goods from the EU, making it harder to source parts and stock efficiently. As a result, the trend of consolidating resources, scaling back physical stores, or ceasing operations altogether is becoming increasingly common in the piano industry, and the coming years will likely continue to test the resilience of remaining businesses.

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