About Us
Bonners Music Superstore has been established for over 30 years and is one of the largest independent musical instrument retailers in the UK. We are a real shop with a 10,000sq ft showroom spread over 2 floors and 30 trained members of staff who are musicians. We sell instruments, not boxes, and can give you personal expert advice and attention. Click HERE to see a movie of our store.
A few years later, the shop moved next door to what is now Dominos Pizza and then in 1986 moved further up Grove Road to number 31. Peter semi-retired to Spain and Gary left shortly afterwards to follow a career in alternative medicine, leaving the business in the hands of Martin Dodd.
Martin made a significant impact on the business, and oversaw the expansion into three retail units in Grove Road, not to mention steering the company through extremely tough retail trading conditions during the early 1990's recession.
The current owners have worked in the business as managers since 1991 and are established musicians themselves. In 2000, just after the passing of Peter Bonner, the business was purchased by the managers and another chapter in Bonners History began!
Recent History
The business went from strength to strength over the next few years and this resulted in the company being in a position to acquire the huge premises in which it now resides. It has always been our aim to be the first and best UK based musical instrument superstore, catering for both the home & professional musician.
There is no other music store in the UK that stocks the vast range of instruments, music books and accessories that Bonners keeps. Every department within Bonners has been created to capture the atmosphere of the goods we sell, and unlike traditional music stores, this is definitely a “hands on” music shop.
“We love the fact that people of all ages feel free to come and enjoy the amazing instruments we sell. We would never expect anyone to purchase an instrument without first having been given the opportunity to spend time on their own just enjoying it. We are proud of the fact that our commitment to allowing children to play with the wonderful 'toys' in our shop has lead on to them choosing to take up a musical hobby rather than spending time doing unproductive things like playing video games or watching TV.”
In November 2006, Bonners headlined the Eastbourne Business Awards, by not only winning the Best Independent Retailer award, but also the Eastbourne Business Of The Year award.
October 2007 saw Bonners awarded the MIA Best Independent Music Retailer award for the second year in a row; and in November 2009, we once again won "Best Independent Retailer" at the Eastbourne Business awards.
The Early Years
Bonners was started in Eastbourne by Peter Bonner and his son Gary as “Peter Bonner Musical” in December 1976. The Bonner’s were already well known local musicians that played in and around Eastbourne.A few years later, the shop moved next door to what is now Dominos Pizza and then in 1986 moved further up Grove Road to number 31. Peter semi-retired to Spain and Gary left shortly afterwards to follow a career in alternative medicine, leaving the business in the hands of Martin Dodd.
Martin made a significant impact on the business, and oversaw the expansion into three retail units in Grove Road, not to mention steering the company through extremely tough retail trading conditions during the early 1990's recession.
The current owners have worked in the business as managers since 1991 and are established musicians themselves. In 2000, just after the passing of Peter Bonner, the business was purchased by the managers and another chapter in Bonners History began!
Recent History
The business went from strength to strength over the next few years and this resulted in the company being in a position to acquire the huge premises in which it now resides. It has always been our aim to be the first and best UK based musical instrument superstore, catering for both the home & professional musician.
There is no other music store in the UK that stocks the vast range of instruments, music books and accessories that Bonners keeps. Every department within Bonners has been created to capture the atmosphere of the goods we sell, and unlike traditional music stores, this is definitely a “hands on” music shop.
“We love the fact that people of all ages feel free to come and enjoy the amazing instruments we sell. We would never expect anyone to purchase an instrument without first having been given the opportunity to spend time on their own just enjoying it. We are proud of the fact that our commitment to allowing children to play with the wonderful 'toys' in our shop has lead on to them choosing to take up a musical hobby rather than spending time doing unproductive things like playing video games or watching TV.”
Award Winners
In October 2006, Bonners were awarded the MIA Best Independent Music Retailer award. This award not only recognised Bonners as a retail outlet, but also our contribution to promoting music throughout the local community.In November 2006, Bonners headlined the Eastbourne Business Awards, by not only winning the Best Independent Retailer award, but also the Eastbourne Business Of The Year award.
October 2007 saw Bonners awarded the MIA Best Independent Music Retailer award for the second year in a row; and in November 2009, we once again won "Best Independent Retailer" at the Eastbourne Business awards.
