Physical entertainment retail sales endured another significant drop over the last quarter, despite a boost in video game sales thanks to triple-A video releases and Christmas gifting.
According to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel, total physical entertainment sales dropped 8.8 per cent in the 12 weeks to January 14, with video dragging down the average with a 21 per cent drop.
Though physical music sales also saw a decline of 5.8 per cent as streaming services like Spotify and Amazon music continue to dominate the sector, the resurgence of vinyl sales helped offset the decline – now accounting for 10 per cent of physical music sales.
Meanwhile, video game sales saw a 2.1 per cent increase in sales, representing an extra £6.8 million spent over the Christmas period.
This was driven by the release of the new Call of Duty which represented the top selling game of the quarter, ahead of FIFA 18 and Super Mario Odyssey.
While DVD and blu-ray sales performed the worst in the sector, sales could see a resurgence thanks to the growing adoption of 4K.
“As more and more shoppers upgrade their TV sets to accommodate 4K and ultra-high definition experiences, sales of 4K discs are also set to increase,” Kantar Worldpanel analyst Olivia Moore said.
“With these new – and old – formats tickling shoppers’ fancy, entertainment products could once again be the gift of choice.”
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