A longtime local business is shutting its doors after 44 years in the community.

Campbell’s Music, which sold musical equipment and fixed sound systems and instruments, is officially closing at the end of August.

President Mike Allen tells Mix News they’ve been struggling for quite some time with the COVID-19 pandemic being the last straw.

He says they’re extremely disappointed for their regular customers.

“We did have a very solid and faithful group of people in the community that supported us and, in a way, we feel like we’re letting them down.”

Allen bought the business soon after arriving in Wood Buffalo 26 years ago.

Things were great for many years, however, they soon began to experience some financial concerns after their property was one of several expropriated in downtown for the proposed hockey arena.

After that, it was hurdle after hurdle. This includes the economic downturn, the Horse River wildfire, a rise in online shopping, and now the pandemic.

“They all compounded to a point where we just couldn’t maintain it anymore and at this point, we just needed to see if we could exit gracefully,” added Allen.

Campbell’s Music will officially close its doors on August 31.

In the meantime, Allen is using the added public attention to encourage those to support other local businesses who are also struggling.

“Please get out there and support all your local businesses whenever you can because without your support they won’t be able to remain in business.”