South African Retailers Build Music Empire

The music retail chain Musica, once a dominant force in South Africa, ceased operations in 2021. At its peak, the franchise accounted for four in ten CD sales in the country, but the rise of online music platforms contributed to its decline.

Early Beginnings

The story of Musica began in 1963 with George Goosen, who initially ran a furniture moving business in Cape Town after purchasing an old Bedford truck. Recognizing a family passion for music, Goosen repurposed the business space to sell records, initially operating under the name Fleetway Record Bar, a reference to the transport company. The Goosen family’s musical background, including George’s interest in classical music and his wife’s work as a vocal teacher and choral trainer, fueled the venture. The first record sold was Jeremy Taylor’s “Ag Pleez Deddy.”

From Fleetway Record Bar to Musica

The business expanded slowly, opening a second store in 1967 on St George’s Street in Cape Town. For this new location, George Goosen renamed the business Musica, seeking a more universal name. The company continued to grow gradually, reaching approximately eight to ten stores by 1980. A significant milestone occurred in 1981 with the opening of the first store outside of Cape Town, in Durban.

Growth and Acquisition

The transition from records to CDs proved beneficial for Musica, leading to a period of rapid expansion between 1982 and 1992. During this time, forty additional stores were opened across the country, establishing Musica as a national success. In the early 2000s, the Clicks Group acquired the franchise. Musica’s turnover peaked at R952 million in the year ending August 31, 2010.

Closure

Despite remaining profitable six months before the COVID-19 pandemic, Musica faced a challenging environment. The shift towards online music consumption, coupled with the impact of the pandemic on foot traffic in shopping malls, ultimately led to the franchise’s closure. The Clicks Group attributed the “inevitable demise” of the brand to these factors. Derek Goosen, founder of Musica, expressed pride in the company’s growth and its service to South African music lovers over more than 50 years.

Additional Photos

Images from Musica’s history are available, showcasing various stores and products throughout its operation.