In an announcement that has left the music community across Canada reeling, Cosmo Music, the iconic Richmond Hill music store, has revealed it will be closing its doors after an incredible 57 years of operation. Widely recognized as Canada’s largest music retailer, the store’s closure marks the end of an era for musicians, music lovers, and the broader community it served for decades.
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From Humble Beginnings to Musical Megastore
Cosmo Music’s journey began in 1966 when Tom Hebert established Cosmo Guitars. What started as a small import operation soon grew into a fully-fledged retail business, opening its first store in Toronto’s Downsview neighborhood in 1968. As the demand for musical instruments and equipment expanded, so did Cosmo’s reach.
By 1971, just five years after launching, Cosmo Music was bursting at the seams and made the strategic move to a larger location in Richmond Hill, where it would operate for the next 54 years. The store continued to grow, moving to an even bigger facility on Yonge Street in 1985, and later, expanding into the superstore format it is most famous for in 2018.
Throughout its years of operation, Cosmo Music became more than just a store; it became a cultural hub for musicians across the region. For generations, it provided not only the instruments but also the space where connections were made, inspiration was born, and lifelong passions were ignited.
The Legacy of Cosmo Music: A Pillar of the Community
In a heartfelt statement issued by the Hebert family, owners of Cosmo Music, they expressed deep gratitude to the staff, loyal customers, brand partners, and the music community that stood by them throughout the years. “Cosmo Music has always been more than just a store,” the statement read. “It has been a space where musicians found inspiration, created connections, and shared their passion. We’re proud of what we’ve built over the decades and will always cherish the memories made with our community.”
The family emphasized that the decision to close was not made lightly but was a result of the “significant challenges” that emerged following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite making major investments in technology and adapting to an ever-evolving market, the business could no longer sustain itself. The closure marks the end of an era for one of Canada’s most beloved music institutions.
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What’s Next for Cosmo Music’s Richmond Hill Location?
Though the announcement of the closure was made in March 2025, the store’s Richmond Hill location, at 10 Via Renzo Drive, will remain open for a limited time as part of a final inventory sale. Details about the exact closure date are still to be determined, but customers can expect a last-chance opportunity to shop for musical equipment and memorabilia before the store shuts its doors for good.
However, the legacy of the building will live on. National music retailer Long & McQuade is set to take over Cosmo Music’s current location. While specifics of the deal are yet to be disclosed, the shift promises that the space will continue to serve as a major destination for music enthusiasts.
The Final Note: A Musical Institution Closes Its Doors
For 57 years, Cosmo Music was a beacon for musicians, a place where dreams were nurtured, and a community was built around a shared love of music. The closure of this beloved institution marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Canada’s music scene.
While Cosmo Music may be closing, its impact will not be forgotten. The store’s contribution to the music community, its history of supporting musicians, and the countless memories made within its walls will echo for years to come.
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