Virgin to launch music download store
Downloads to be marketed through store network
March 8 2004
Virgin is to launch a music download store which will allow consumers to buy music tracks and download them onto a new Virgin-branded digital music player.
The service, to be launched this summer by Virgin Digital in partnership with music delivery company MusicNet, will tap into market and customer data from the 100m people who use Virgin Megastores each year.
[img r]VirginMobileRetail1.jpg[/img]As with the Virgin Mobile offer, the stores will also be used to market the new service.
Virgin supremo Richard Branson is targeting the lucrative market for legal music downloads tapped into by Apple with its iTunes service and iPod offer.
The Virgin Digital software product, will support file formats including Windows Media Audio, or WMA, which is not compatible with the iPod.
In time, Virgin Digital users will be able to download tracks to mobile phones and a range of handheld electronics device. The player will also provide users with access to the Virgin radio network.
Simon Wright, chief executive of Virgin Entertainment Group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the millions of consumers who are as dedicated to music as we are.
“We will offer a 360-degree world of music through Virgin Digital with more selection, better sound quality, exclusive customer service features and the passion and attitude that defines the Virgin experience.”
