WHSmith is reintroducing vinyl records in select UK stores, driven by increased consumer demand for the format.
- Vinyl records, once a staple in WHSmith’s offerings, will be available again in 80 stores, including Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, and York.
- Emma Smyth, WHSmith’s High Street commercial director, highlights the resurgence in vinyl’s popularity among both long-time enthusiasts and new listeners.
- Last year, vinyl sales surged significantly, with a 11.7% increase to 5.9 million units, reaffirming the format’s comeback.
- The decision marks a return to WHSmith’s roots, having initially sold vinyl from the 1950s until the rise of CDs 30 years ago.
WHSmith has announced the return of vinyl records to its shelves after more than three decades, a move spurred by growing customer interest in the retro format. The iconic high street retailer is set to stock vinyl in 80 of its locations across the United Kingdom, including key cities such as Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, and York. This decision signals a significant shift in the retailer’s strategy, aiming to cater to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers who are drawn to the tangible and nostalgic appeal of vinyl records.
Vinyl records, a format that WHSmith proudly introduced in the 1950s, will once again feature prominently in its inventory. As CDs took the music world by storm, WHSmith gradually phased out vinyl, a format many believed would remain a relic of the past. However, the unexpected resurgence of vinyl, underscored by its substantial growth in sales, has prompted the retailer to bring back its once-popular offerings.
Emma Smyth, the High Street commercial director at WHSmith, shared her enthusiasm about this revival, stating, “After thirty years vinyl is back at WHSmith! I’m sure there are many customers out there who remember spending hours in record shops browsing the latest vinyl LPs and the artistic record covers.” This sentiment echoes the broader trend, as vinyl records have experienced a renaissance, capturing the hearts of listeners who appreciate the format’s superior sound quality and artistry.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) reports a remarkable 11.7% rise in vinyl sales last year, hitting 5.9 million units. This statistic highlights the format’s enduring appeal and its steady climb within the competitive music market. The renewed interest in vinyl represents a blending of old-school charm with modern-day musical consumption, appealing to diverse age groups. By reintroducing vinyl, WHSmith aims to align itself with this cultural shift and offer its customers a piece of music history.
Reintroducing vinyl records aligns WHSmith with the consumer-driven resurgence of this classic format.
