Pat's Music Closing Bensalem Store

Paul Domanico fought the future as long as he could, but he could no longer deny the numbers. If Pat's Music is going to thrive past its 74-year history, Domanico and  his brothers need to step up the store's online presence.

"In general, our online sales have gone up every year," said Domanico. "We had a meeting and we all came to the same conclusion that the website needs to be more closely managed. We are adapting to the times."

In order to devote his energies to expanding and maintaining the website, Domanico is closing the Bensalem store this month. The inventory of instruments, accessories and music will all be consolidated to the original shop located 15 minutes away at 7302 Frankford Ave. in Northeast Philadelphia.

"This is not a function of a bad economy," said Domanico. "This is a function of evolving and becoming more efficient. All three of us will be in the same place using our individual skills to help serve the customers."

Domanico's grandfather opened the original Pat's Music on Orthodox Street in Philadelphia in 1939, and the store stayed in the family as it changed locations. The Bensalem location opened up more than 20 years ago and built up a steady base of customers and students. Domanico is helping one of his teachers set up a new music school on Bristol Pike to keep the students in practice.

"I'm not affiliated with the school, but I wanted to make sure the students and teachers weren't left in the cold," said Domanico.

Plans for the website include enlarging the inventory and making trading and purchasing easier. Domanico also wants to widen the store's Internet presence and attract customers outside the local market.

Despite the shift to the website, Domanico is confident the brick-and-mortar store on Frankford Avenue will remain for a while.

"You can't beat the music store atmosphere," said Domanico. "People will always like being able to walk into a store and speak with somebody face-to-face."