David Sharp
Will Emanuel discusses his interest in vinyl records at his home, Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Falmouth, Maine. The COVID-19 pandemic benefitted record store owners who saw a surge in sales. That s good news for the indie record stores ahead of Record Store Day on Saturday, June 12.
Image Credit: (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) June 08, 2021 - 9:00 PM PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Vinyl record sales surged during the pandemic as music lovers fattened their collections, and audio cassettes began a comeback as well, keeping business spinning at record stores. Easing restrictions on indoor shopping and continued interest in vinyl records provide stores and shoppers something to cheer on Saturday, the first of two Record Store Day dates. Although many stores were closed during the early part of the pandemic, people were listening to records at home and boosting online and curbside pickup sales of vinyl.
Vinyl records surge during pandemic, keeping sales spinning
By Associated Press |
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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Music lovers sent vinyl record sales soaring during the pandemic, giving retailers something to cheer on Record Store Day. Many stores were closed during the early part of the pandemic, but with people still listening to records at home, online and curbside pickup sales of vinyl records took off. The Record Industry Association of America says record sales grew 29% to $626 million in 2020 and surpassed the sale of compact discs. Audio cassettes are also seeing renewed interest though still something of a novelty when it comes to overall sales. The first of two celebrations of record stores is Saturday. A second Record Store Day will be July 17.
When I discovered the album, it was a form already past its prime. Michael Jackson’s Thriller was released in November 1982, a few months after my first birthday. By the end of 1983, it had sold 22 million copies worldwide. Until then, no album by a solo artist had sold more than 12 million. Almost 40 years later, its sales total – more than 50 million – is still unbeaten.
Raleigh, Durham record stores on track for all-time highs for revenue bizjournals.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bizjournals.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.