Physical stores selling music and video reaches record high
The number of physical stores selling music, video and videogames reached an all-time record in 2014, according to new figures from the Entertainment Retailers Association.
Despite a challenging physical market for CD, DVD and Blu-ray, the number of physical outlets selling video grew by 18.8% on 2013 to reach 10,500 while the number of outlets selling music increased by 20.4% to 10,391. The number of games outlets grew by 1.3% to 5,665.
The ERA said a key reason for the growth is an increase in the number of supermarket convenience stores and retailers such as Wilko, BHS and Matalan selling limited ranges of music and video aimed at the impulse market.
ERA chief executive Kim Bayley said: “This is an extraordinary result which means that UK consumers have a greater choice of outlets from which to buy music, video and games than ever before. From specialist chains and independents, through to supermarkets and fashion stores, to internet retailers, download and streaming services we can all now access music, video and games wherever or whenever we want.”
The growth in the number of physical outlets comes despite the rapid growth of digital services. Industry estimates suggest there are now 123 digital entertainment services operating in the UK.
In 2014 sales through bricks and mortar outlets accounted for just 33.9% of the £5,664.7 million entertainment market with internet-based transactions accounting for 66.1%.
However, the ERA said it was ‘all-you-can-eat’ music subscription streaming services where consumer-spend on access services grew fastest of all in 2014. The £175 million spent in the UK on accessing music via services like Spotify and Deezer was up over 65% year-on-year.
Bayley added: “Ever since the birth of UK entertainment retailing in 1921 with the opening of the first HMV in London’s Oxford Street, entertainment retailers have proven themselves to be innovators. Thanks to the ground-breaking technology and heavy investment of a new breed of entertainment retailers offering access services, we are witnessing a revolution in the entertainment industry, benefitting consumers, creators and content owners alike.”
