While Cubs fans celebrate a World Series championship, some local music lovers are preparing to mourn the loss of Logan Square record store Saki, which announced via a post on its blog that the shop will be closing on December 1. Since opening in 2010, Saki has become a fixture of the neighborhood, frequently hosting in-store performances, art openings, record release parties and more community-focused events.
A letter written by the store's owner, Patrick Monaghan, states, "At our current location, Saki is unsustainable. Rather than find a new space, move and reconstitute, we have decided the best thing is to shut down and move on to something new."
The statment goes on to explain that CTD, Ltd., the independent music distributor that operated out of the back of Saki's store, has already begun to wind down its operations. At one point, CTD, Ltd. distributed records released by Chicago-based labels such as Drag City, Touch and Go and Trouble in Mind.
To help clear out its remaining stock, Saki will be running sales through December 1. Currently, the store is offering 15% off of all regularly-priced items.
Saki's remaining weeks in business won't simply be focused around liquidating its stock. "We're going to host a few events before we close the doors for good. Right now, we have in-stores scheduled with Calyx (Pittsburgh) and Whelmed (Bloomington) on November 10th," Saki manager Adam Hirzel told us. "The Superweaks (Philadelphia) are going to play with Options and Date Stuff on November 19th, but we hope to squeeze a few more in as well."
During their final weeks in the store, Saki employees are hoping to reconnect with customers who have visited the store throughout the past seven years. "We encourage people to come in and say hi, even if they don't buy anything," Hirzel said. "We're also sharing #sakimemories on Twitter and Instagram and we welcome anyone to add their own memories of the store."
As the holiday season approaches, take a moment to stop by Saki, chat with a clerk, grabs a few albums and experience one of Chicago's best record stores while you still have a chance.
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