By Niko Robledo

A for lease sign has recently appeared at the Rock Shop, but for anyone who fears that the 35-year-old business is closing, they are merely moving into the warehouse behind their current location. The owner, Todd Rushing, describes the move as a cost-saving measure. He is merging the space with his other business, Full Throttle T-Shirt Co. Both will be located behind the current home of the Rock Shop and will reside at the same address at 1808 W. Jefferson St. in Springfield.

“We are trying to keep the music store open, and it’s been slowly shrinking over the years. We are one of the retailers suffering from what’s going on, like Bergners and Sears,” Rushing said.

The 6600 square foot building is listed with Bill Marriott of The Real Estate Group. The asking price is $495,000 or it can be leased at $10 a square foot net.

“We are looking to lease it out mainly. We have a couple people interested in it. I haven’t met with any of them, yet.” Rushing said.

Rushing plans for the move to be completed by the end of August. He has started by moving over smaller accessories first, leaving the bigger inventory such as guitars and drum sets to be moved over last.

For the patrons wondering if the Rock Shop’s inventory or available music lessons will change due to the move, there is no need to worry. The store will continue to stock the same accessories and instruments as before. Rushing plans on adding several lesson rooms to the warehouse’s interior, so students will still be able to practice their crafts.

Rushing’s choice to move the Rock Shop ensures that future generations of musicians will have a space to learn and obtain the materials they need to further their musical careers.