WHAT THE INTERNET CANNOT OFFER

Musikktorget at Moa outside Ålesund focuses on what the internet cannot offer. Today, they are the largest music store between Bergen and Trondheim. Since their start in 2009, they have grown steadily, and in recent years they have made several new expansions. In the basement of the store, we find, among other things, a larger workshop and a dedicated showroom – and more expansions are already on the way.

– The industry has changed a lot since we started. There used to be music shops in most cities, but now there are fewer left. People shop more online, and we must be good at what the internet cannot always offer – dialogue, honest feedback, and expertise, says co-owner and sales manager Kai Martin Kvalsund.

He highlights the people as the most important strength.

– Here we stand by what we sell and help the customer as best we can. We have a good team with a lot of different expertise, and who are truly passionate about the music environment in Ålesund.

The store has both permanent employees, part-time employees, and students in practice, which Kvalsund believes is absolutely crucial.

– The music industry is constantly changing, so we must be too. We are completely dependent on the younger forces. They have great significance here.

Started in practice

Two of them are Andreas Heltne and William Hovda, who both started in practice through secondary school, and today work part-time in the store.

- We have been here for several years now. It's really fun. We get to pursue our interest, they say while they 'jam' a bit in the room that offers a wide selection of electric guitars.

From shop to total supplier

Musikktorget is today much more than a traditional shop. They deliver everything from instruments and sheet music to complete sound and stage systems, and take on the entire job from planning to installation. The customer list ranges from churches and schools to cultural centres, conference venues and nightclubs.

Kvalsund takes us down to the expanded workshop.

- Here we do repairs of guitars, various wind instruments and pianos. Behind this wall, there will be a showroom where the customer can see and try equipment. Everything from sound and light mixers to stage curtains can be found here, he says.

Steady traffic in the shop

During the visit, there is good activity in the premises, with customers regularly dropping by. One of them is Sondre Knutsen, who originally had a simple errand.

- I just needed a microphone cable, but now it quickly became a guitar as well, he says and laughs.

Continuing to focus locally

Despite an industry in change, the direction is clear: Musikktorget will continue to develop and create good service through dialogue and human interaction.

- Personal follow-up is the most important thing we have. It is what we will live on in the future as well, says Kvalsund.

The article was first published on Bypatrioten.com on 27 March 2026.