John Lewis has teamed up with Rough Trade to sell vinyl records across some its department stores and online.
The records retailer has created a “carefully curated selection of old and modern classics” for John Lewis shoppers, with albums ranging from Nirvana and Nick Drake to Chappell Roan and Fontaines DC.
The move comes after vinyl sales have witnessed a comeback in recent years.
In October, WHSmith began selling vinyl records again across 80 of its stores, in response to growing customer demand for the format.
Although the chain initially began selling vinyl albums in the 1950s, it phased them out thirty years ago as the popularity of CDs took off.
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Last year, HMV also saw its profits soar due to the resurgence of vinyl and a focus on pop culture at the retailer.
Pre-tax profits at its owner Sunrise Records & Entertainment rose from £2m to £5.3m during the year to May 2023, while sales at the business soared from £151m to £178m.
Brits purchased 6.7m records last year, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), with sales soaring 9.1% and the market hitting its highest point in three-decades.
John Lewis’s decision to sell records coincides with the increasing demand for record players and turntables witnessed at its stores, with sales of the equipment up 17% from five years ago.
Rough Trade managing director Lawrence Montgomery explained there was a “growing appreciation for physical music among a diverse audience of music fans”.
He said: “The vinyl resurgence continues to deepen the connection between artists and fans. We look forward to sharing this vibrant culture with John Lewis customers.”
John Lewis buyer Jason Billings-Cray added: “We’re excited to be part of the vinyl revival, partnering with Rough Trade to bring vinyl records back to our stores.
“It’s clear that there is a strong market for the format – with both our turntable range and sales up considerably in recent years. We’re confident that this new album assortment will be a smash hit with our customers.”
The vinyl records will be available on the John Lewis website and across select stores including Peter Jones, Bluewater, Cheadle, and Edinburgh.
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