High street retailer WH Smith is bringing vinyl records back to stores after more than 30 years. This move taps into the resurging popularity of vinyl, appealing to both seasoned and new music fans.
- Vinyl records will be stocked in 80 WH Smith stores across the UK, reviving a trend that has seen constant growth over the past 16 years.
- Sales of vinyl in the UK increased by 11.7% last year, reaching nearly six million units, as reported by the British Phonographic Industry.
- The reintroduction of vinyl at WH Smith coincides with popular artists reissuing albums, adding to the format’s renewed appeal.
- This initiative is part of WH Smith’s strategy to revitalise its product offerings and enhance store appeal.
High street retailer WH Smith is making a significant move by reintroducing vinyl records to its shelves after more than three decades. The decision is aimed at tapping into vinyl’s growing popularity among a new wave of music enthusiasts. The Swindon-based chain plans to stock vinyl in 80 of its stores, catering to both long-time fans and those newly attracted to the format.
Vinyl records have witnessed a remarkable resurgence, with sales increasing by 11.7% in the UK to almost six million in the past year, as highlighted by the British Phonographic Industry. This marks the sixteenth consecutive year of growth for the format, signalling its enduring appeal.
The return of vinyl to WH Smith correlates with recent reissues by prominent musicians. Artists such as Taylor Swift, with her album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, and Oasis, reissuing ‘The Masterplan’, have contributed to the vinyl revival, drawing in both nostalgic listeners and a younger audience.
Emma Smyth, the commercial director of WH Smith’s high street operations, expressed enthusiasm about this development. She noted, ‘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. To me, it’s no surprise that vinyl is growing in popularity again, and we are very excited to be bringing back record selections to more than 80 different stores across the UK for both seasoned fans and new listeners alike.’
The history of WH Smith with vinyl records dates back to the 1950s when vinyl was a staple in their product offerings. However, the popularity of CDs in the 1990s led the retailer to discontinue vinyl sales. Now, in a strategic effort to refresh their inventory and attract a diverse customer base, WH Smith is reintroducing this classic format.
Stores across the UK, including those in Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh Gyle, and York, will feature vinyl sections. This initiative aligns with WH Smith’s broader strategy to revitalise its product ranges and enhance the shopping experience, following its plan to introduce Toys ‘R’ Us concessions in multiple locations.
The revival of vinyl at WH Smith signifies a strategic response to shifting consumer trends and a desire to rejuvenate its high street presence.
