Independent record stores see 44% growth in album sales
Independent record stores increased their sales of albums by a massive 44% in the first six months of 2013 compared with the same period of 2012, according to analysis of Official Charts Company data by the Entertainment Retailers Association.
The success came against the background of an overall decline in the albums market over the same period of 1.5%.
The ERA found that key contributors to the increase were booming sales of vinyl albums and the success of Record Store Day, which took place in April.
While independent stores accounted for only 3.2% of the total albums market over the period, they accounted for more than 50% of total vinyl album sales.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Around one in seven of albums sold through independent record stores are on vinyl, while across the rest of the market only one in 250 albums sold is on the 12″ format.
ERA chairman Paul Quirk said: “These first-half sales figures reveal a stunning result for indie record shops. Although the odds are stacked against them, indies have fought back. With Record Store Day they have created the first major new UK sales promotion for music in 20 years and as consumers re-waken to the joys of analogue, they have driven the growth of vinyl sales.
“Although only a tiny part of the music market overall, indie stores are driving some of the most exciting new initiatives in music, as well as continuing to support and help break new talent.”
