Record Stores and Vinyl Resurgence
These stores often provide a wide selection of music across genres, including new releases, classic albums, rare collectible items, and related merchandise. Additionally, many serve as community hubs for music enthusiasts, hosting live performances and events. Record stores have historically contributed to music culture by providing vital spaces for discovery, fostering artist-fan connections and preserving physical formats. However, they have faced growing competition from music streaming services which became the top platform for consumption in 2018. Despite this, some independent chains continue operating and catering to collectors and fans who still buy physical music. Supporting these local businesses helps keep record store culture alive.
Are vinyl record sales declining?
Vinyl records are back and more popular than ever. A new report found that vinyl record sales continued their more than decade-long growth in 2022, and for the first time in more than three decades, outsold CDs in the number of units. The report, published by the Recording Industry Association of America on Thursday, found that physical formats of music saw another year of overall growth in 2022, totaling $1.7 billion.
Is vinyl still popular in 2023?
In 2022, vinyl outsold CDs in units sold. This occurred for the first time in over 30 years. Streaming still dominates music sales overall. But vinyl has seen over 10 years of rising sales.
Record Store Day started in 2008. Independent record stores launched the event. Labels and artists put out limited vinyl releases for Record Store Day. Shops also host cookouts and festivals to mark the occasion.
Collectors value vinyl records’ artwork. Vinyl allows for greater customization nowadays. Fans also buy vinyl to support artists. Buying an artist’s vinyl helps fund their music. Streaming pays artists far less money.