JG Windows: Iconic Newcastle city centre music store closes after entering administration

JG Windows, which was situated in the stunning Central Arcade, opened in 1908 and helped hundreds of North East musicians buy their first and most popular instraments. It has now entered

Despite being put up for sale in 2023, a buyer could not be found for the business. JG Windows also had stores in Gateshead’s Metro Centre and Darlington, although these closed in 2022 and 2018 respectively.

Speaking to Insider Media, the store's general manager Alex Cole said: "JG Windows has been a cornerstone of the region's musical and retail heritage for over 115 years and generations of musicians and music lovers, including my family and myself, have bought their first instrument, listened to their first LP, or learnt their first song within the iconic Central Arcade store.

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"The retail environment, and particularly the music sector, has changed so much over recent years. Despite our best efforts to transform and adapt through streamlined operations, the introduction of the Windows Music Academy, and the launch of a new online offering, we have been unable to compete against falling margins, rising costs and the general shift within the UK to online shopping, streaming and downloads."

The shop opened just two years after the Central Arcade opened in 1906. The building was first built in 1837 for Richard Grainger as part of his iconic redevelopment of the city. This triple-domed building was originally a commercial exchange and newsroom and later an art gallery. It was rebuilt in 1906 after a fire, to create a cut-through from Grey Street to Market Street and Grainger Street.

The business appointed Andrew Little and Gillian Sayburn of Begbies Traynor as joint liquidators.