Sorry to see them go!
So sorry to see the best national music chain close it's doors. Many of the full-time sales people have made life long careers there, unlike the Guitar Center chain of stores. Must be a reason why. They provided excellent consultation, excellent pricing and when you went back, you'd find the same people and got treated for the most part, like family.
The stores that offered lessons chose quality instructors many of whom were professionals, making a living at their craft and taught at Sam Ash on the side. There were some instructor who taught there about on a full-time basis even know they got paid by the lesson, not on salary.
Best regards to the many Sam Ash staff members who put decades of their lives bettering the experience for musicians of all experience levels! Much appreciated. Best of success in your future endeavors.