Springfield Music Inc. buys St. Louis shop

Springfield Music Inc. last month added a St. Louis music store to its portfolio.

The Springfield music retail company closed Feb. 11 on the purchase of Fazio's Music for an undisclosed amount, according to Springfield Music spokeswoman Angela Frizell.

She said the purchase was the second for Springfield Music in the last six months. The Springfield company purchased Funky Munky Music in Shawnee, Kan., in October.

Founded in 1978, Fazio's primarily sells guitars and guitar accessories. With the acquisition, Springfield Music has committed to expanding the store's selection to include rentals and sales for school bands and orchestras, according to a news release.

Springfield Music Vice President Donovan Bankhead said the purchase represents the company's growth strategy, providing a "full-service experience for our customers throughout Missouri and the surrounding states."

In addition to its 3100 S. Fremont Ave. store in Springfield, new St. Louis location and its Kansas store, Springfield Music operates Ernie Williamson Music in Joplin.

"Our addition to the Springfield Music family is truly an amazing opportunity, considering the different strengths each of the four stores bring to the table," Fazio's General Manager James Gast said in the release. "We are excited moving forward, using the existing legacy Mike Fazio created and adding new elements to the picture."

Springfield Music got its start in 1964 under founder Bill Spence. The company was sold in 1986 to Lee Coats, who co-owns the business with Bankhead, said Frizell.

The company sells, rents and repairs instruments and provides music lessons, according to Springfield-Music.com.