FEATURE:
The Spirit of Independence
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The Growth and Rise of Smaller Record Shops
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SOME positive news…
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and interesting statistics have been released this week. We all know that vinyl sales are continuing to climb and the demand for physical music is strong. In terms of independent music shops in the U.K., there was a fear that the pandemic would see many of them close. That was not the case. The desire for vinyl especially has meant so many of them have seen their customer numbers rise. New data shows an interesting split between the number of indie music shops that are in business and operating. Compare that to the amount of supermarkets and big store selling music. That option was once a go-to to people like me. The channel and location in which physical music is sold is more streamlined. The Guardian published a feature breaking it down:
“New data shows that the UK has dozens more record shops that it did 10 years ago, but the marketplace for physical music elsewhere is quickly collapsing.
A study by the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) finds that there are now 461 indie record shops in the UK, 122 more than 2014. Purely in terms of store numbers, the sector has recovered strongly after a small dip during 2020 that is likely attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The much-heralded vinyl revival – and its controversial premium pricing – drove revenue for vinyl to more than £170m last year, the 16th straight year for growth in the format. Of that revenue £110m came from archive releases rather than new music.
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ERA chief executive Kim Bayley celebrated the shops’ success, saying: “Despite largely being run by owner-managers, indies have seen off competition from some of the largest and best-funded companies in the land. Indies have found their niche and they are here to stay. It shows that, despite the overwhelming success of music streaming, many music fans remain committed to the high street physical music buying experience.”
In 2014, indie shops made up just 3% of total music outlets in the UK, but it’s now 23% – a reflection of their growth in numbers, but also more significantly the drop in the number of supermarkets and other big stores selling music. The overall number of stores selling music peaked in 2016 at 15,364 – in 2023, that figure has dropped dramatically to 1,975.
This is because, while there is a small but devoted audience willing to spend money on vinyl records, most of the UK is content to no longer own the music it plays. The ERA study shows that in 2014, 17% of music revenue was spent on access to music via streaming, with the rest spent on outright ownership via physical formats or downloads. In 2023, 84% of revenue is now spent on access to music, as streaming has matured to become by far the most popular choice for music consumption today.
In 2023, for the first time the smartphone became the most popular device for listening to music, overtaking the car stereo”.
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There is a bit to unpack. I am celebrating independent record stores and how they are thriving. On 20th April, we celebrate Record Store Day. It is a celebration of the shops and their staff. That day will see some exclusive releases. Shops around the country seeing lines of people queue outside. It is great that these stores have loyal customers but will also attract new business. The fact that vinyl sales are climbing means that record stores are going to be a go-to for many music fans. It is worrying that other stores are not necessarily selling music. I am not sure how many people years ago bought albums in supermarkets. I did occasionally. Other chains like Woolworths were essential when I was a child. We really do not have anything like that now. That most physical music is localised to independent and large record stores, which may not be easily accessible to many people. I guess that vinyl is the most popular format, which is harder to store at supermarkets. Maybe less demand compared to CDs. Even living in London, there are not that many independent record stores within easy walking distance of me. Though, as I am near Soho, there are a few there. For most people, the convenience of a supermarket or other large store would mean they could get new albums when they are out shopping. Online seems to be the option for most people. Even so, we cannot discount the success and importance of independent record shops. Something that we need to encourage and keep on top of.
I suppose the price of physical music always means that streaming is going to have a bigger appeal. It is quick and easy. The price of vinyl is still quite high. Even if sales are increasing, buying an album on vinyl can be pricey. Not the same flexibility and option to own multiple albums at one go. Streaming means people can have a lot of music at their fingertips for a very small price. The loyalty of customers and the fact so many people are interested in vinyl shows that the independent record store is essential. A place where people can discover and get together. The fact streaming is so popular is not a shock. The hope is that these independent shops remain in business and we see more appear on the high street. It is a shame that there are not more options for physical music when it comes to outlets. I also think that vinyl prices need to come down a bit. If people have to pay anywhere up to £25 for a single album sometimes, that can be off-putting. It is a complex situation with lots of factors involved. Maybe it is not possible for supermarkets or other high street chains to sell music. The demand there not quite as big as it should be. The value of physical music needs to be promoted and continuingly highlighted. Many people do that, yet there are still many whose default is streaming. I think we will see gradual shifts towards physical music. There is this passionate core who prefer to visit independent stores and get their music there. Humbling and wonderful to see, we look ahead to Record Store Day and the fact that so many people will come out in force.
Perhaps it will be tricky convincing those who get their music on smartphones that buying an album is more important and rewarding. The sheer convenience of streamed music is going to attract people. What we get from the report above is that physical music is hugely important. If its sales have been channelled and funnelled more into independent record stores and some larger record shops, I think most of us have an independent record store within fairly easily commutable distance. Of course, chains like HMV are important, though there is a character and atmosphere that you get in independent stores that you cannot get anywhere else. The rude health of vinyl is going to keep going. More and more people will visit independent record shops. Let’s hope, in years to come, prices can come down a bit and there is this realisation among a generation who turn to streaming that physical music has a place. It is a permanent form of music that means you can physically keep an album. Streaming is ephemeral and unstable in that sense. Music can be lost. The experience of streamed music not the same. Even if it is cheaper and quicker, you lose something through streaming. Nothing can replace the feel and depth of physical music and how you listen to that. Let’s hope that the independent record stores we have keep their doors open and do not go anywhere. We need them more than ever. It is evident that people get so much from shopping in amazing dependent record stores. I don’t think that…
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WILL ever change.