In a significant move, WHSmith is reintroducing vinyl records across 80 UK stores, responding to the surging demand for this nostalgic music format.
- The return marks a nostalgic revival as vinyl records hit the shelves in cities like Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, and York.
- The resurgence of vinyl comes at a time when sales have startlingly increased, outpacing last year’s figures dramatically.
- WHSmith, originally a vendor of vinyl in the 1950s, had halted sales as CDs dominated; now, it embraces vinyl’s comeback enthusiastically.
- Commercial Director Emma Smyth is optimistic about rekindling old passions and engaging new audiences with this classic format.
In a bold step forward, WHSmith is set to revive the sale of vinyl records across its stores in the United Kingdom after a pause of thirty years. This decision aligns with the recent surge in vinyl’s popularity, a trend underscored by a significant increase in sales over the past year, as reported by trade association BPI.
The reintegration of vinyl records will occur in 80 select locations, including notable cities such as Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, and York. These outlets will feature an assortment of chart hits alongside classic albums, catering to both nostalgic collectors and the curious new generation of vinyl enthusiasts.
Originally selling vinyl since the 1950s, WHSmith ceased this offering around thirty years ago when the compact disc took the market by storm. The return of vinyl to their shelves signifies not only a nod to nostalgic music culture but also a strategic business move to capture the growing demand for this vintage format.
Emma Smyth, WHSmith High Street’s Commercial Director, expressed excitement about the reintroduction of vinyl, 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. 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.”
This initiative not only aims to attract former vinyl lovers who fondly recall browsing through record stores but also seeks to captivate a younger demographic keen to experience the unique sound and aesthetic appeal that vinyl records offer.
WHSmith’s decision to bring back vinyl records highlights a strategic embrace of retro trends and consumer nostalgia, ensuring it remains relevant in a changing market.
