In 1968, Tommy Leddy, fresh from touring in Ireland's showband circuit, founded the Sound Shop, a small, independent music store. Today, in Drogheda, Co. Louth, the store is still thriving and is one of the businesses to have survived the COVID-19 pandemic.

The son of Tommy, and now manager of the shop, Adam Leddy, tells Hot Press that having customers come back to the shop in person has been a massive relief.

"We've been waiting for this day to happen for a long time now," he says.

"Thankfully, we have a big space as well that we have quite a large floor area so we can accommodate a few customers before we feel under pressure.

"One guy yesterday – while he was handing me over a significant amount of money – was very much thanking me for being open and for being here".

Although sales haven't quite reached pre-pandemic levels, Adam stresses the importance of instrument sellers having customers in-person to purchase large items again.

"It's very difficult to sell a piano, or to show a person how good a piano is that you have – or indeed, an expensive guitar," he says.

"Many products that we have, like speakers and lighting systems, are all very difficult to sell to somebody online. So having the doors open again, we'll be able to do more business".

Adam was thankful for some of the support the government have given to the business to help during the lockdown and for reopening. However, he was unhappy with being asked to pay business rates for the local theatre they own (The TLT, Tommy Leddy Theatre) when the immediate future of concerts remains uncertain.

"We've recently just been asked about paying rates again," he says. "Paying rates on a part of the business where we can't have concerts seems kind of crazy.

"As a matter of fact, the person from the rates department said 'We believe the concerts are going to be on again in June'. We were like, 'Where did you hear that now?'"

Adam said when asked that if he had one message he could give to his past or potential future customers, it would be to shop locally.

"If our prices are or any other retailers prices are looking out of line, give them a call, let them know. Give them a chance to rectify the situation. Try and keep it local."

You can contact The Sound Shop by either visiting them at East Coast Business Park, 11 Matthew's Ln, Lagavooren, Drogheda, Co. Louth. or through their website soundshop.ie.