Riverton Music, a family-run music store in Utah, has announced the closure of its West Jordan location due to escalating costs driven by tariffs and inflation. Owner Kevin Rindlisbacher cited the need to adapt to the changing economic landscape as a primary reason for the difficult decision.
The store, located at 7742 Campus View Dr., is one of three locations operated by Riverton Music. Rindlisbacher explained that the rising expenses, particularly those related to tariffs on imported musical instruments, have rendered the West Jordan location financially unviable. He stated, “It just becomes more problematic to really stock and to be able to sell enough product to justify the store’s existence anymore.”
Tariffs have significantly impacted the business, especially as a large percentage of musical instruments are manufactured in Asia. Rindlisbacher noted that the cost of goods has surged dramatically. “A product that was costing us, you know, $200 yesterday, if we want to order it next week, could be $300 or $400,” he said.
The tariffs have not only increased the price of individual instruments but have also dramatically raised shipping costs. Rindlisbacher revealed that a tariff that previously cost his business between $4,000 and $5,000 for containers of pianos has soared to around $40,000. He expressed concern about the inability to spread these costs over the units received, making it nearly impossible to maintain profitability.
Navigating the economic environment has proven challenging for the 43-year veteran of the music industry. “I’ve never experienced price increases like I have in the last year,” Rindlisbacher remarked during an interview. Rising utility costs, increased rent, and the necessity to offer competitive wages, while sales diminish due to high prices, have compounded the issues faced by his business.
Reflecting on the history of Riverton Music, which was established in 1968, Rindlisbacher noted a sense of loss regarding the control he once felt over the business’s direction. “I used to feel like we had some control over our destiny—if we worked smart, we worked hard, and hired good people, we could control where we are going,” he explained. The uncertainty of the current market dynamics has been disheartening, leaving him and his team grappling with factors beyond their influence.
Despite the closure of the West Jordan location, Rindlisbacher remains committed to serving his customers and maintaining the other two locations. He expressed hopes that the situation would improve, allowing the business to continue providing for its employees and vendors. As Riverton Music navigates these turbulent times, the impact of tariffs and inflation on small businesses is evident, highlighting the broader challenges faced by many retailers in the current economic climate.
