Cary small businesses scale back, close

CARY, N.C. — Tough economic times caused Harold Burt to cut out 2,000 square-feet of retail space at his music store.

Burt Music Company, at 1341 Kildaire Farm Road, has been in business for more than 30 years. Classes at the Burt School of Music, located behind the store, have remained steady, but Burt said he has seen retail sales drop steadily about 75 percent.

A month ago, Burt made the decision to reduce his retail space.

While Burt said the closing is “depressing,” he admitted that it is better than having his entire business close.