844,122 vinyl‘s have been sold in the UK so far this year and is set to pass the million mark at the end of 2014.
The figure has already surpassed 2013 number of 829,243 records sold. The 2014 figure has exceeded expectations and is four times more than the sales back in 2008. The top vinyl sales of the year so far come from the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Oasis.
Urban Outfitters recently incorrectly claimed to be the worlds largest stockist of vinyl‘s but got quickly corrected as it is in fact Amazon that sells the most vinyl‘s. Amazon takes 12.3 market shares whereas Urban Outfitters has an 8.1 market share. Urban Outfitters which is more commonly associated with clothing stocks vinyls from artists such as Lana Del Rey and Fleetwood Mac. Even though the store may not be the largest stockist it is has played a big part in the record revival by bringing vinyls onto the highstreet amongst clothes and accessories so customer who may not walk into a record shop will be exposed and enticed by record displays whilst clothes shopping. The success of records is also down to Record Store Day which takes place in April, vinyl enthusiasts queue up at record stores at around 4am to pick up limited editions and released by a range of musical icons.
The trend of vinyls is proving it staying power and music fans have plenty of other reasons to rejoice. HMV are set to reclaim the title of Britain‘s biggest entertainment retailer over taking Amazon. The store is reengaging with music shoppers. Hilco bought HMV out of administration in April last year, saving 2,500 jobs and 125 out the 400 stores.
Vinyls are not just enjoying success in the UK as vinyl sales have increased by 41% over the last year. Record Store Day is also adding an extra date on November 28th in participation with Black Friday.
The record industry seems to be going from strength to strength and proving that there is still a customer base for physical copies of music in a technology driven world.
