Vinyl records are making a comeback at WH Smith stores following a three-decade hiatus, outlining a renewed interest in this classic format. The UK has seen a significant surge of 11.7% in vinyl sales last year, hinting at resurgent popularity among music enthusiasts.
- WH Smith, headquartered in Swindon, will showcase vinyl in 80 locations, aiming to attract a new generation of listeners.
- The revival of vinyl is aided by modern artist releases, such as Taylor Swift and re-issues by bands like Oasis.
- Emma Smyth from WH Smith highlights nostalgia and demand from both seasoned and new vinyl fans.
- The strategic move includes introducing other retail concepts like Toys ‘R’ Us within WH Smith stores, indicating a broader effort to revitalise retail spaces.
WH Smith is set to reintroduce vinyl records in 80 of its high street stores across the nation after more than 30 years, marking a significant return to its roots. This decision comes amidst a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records, evident as UK sales figures climbed by 11.7% last year, reaching nearly six million units, according to the British Phonographic Industry.
The Swindon-based chain is capitalising on this trend to draw in younger audiences who are showing an appreciation for both vintage and contemporary vinyl releases. Artists such as Taylor Swift have embraced the format with her latest album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ while legendary bands like Oasis have re-issued classic albums on vinyl, underscoring the format’s renewed relevance.
Emma Smyth, WH Smith’s commercial director for high street operations, expressed enthusiasm about rekindling the vinyl culture. “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,” she noted, reflecting on how the physicality and nostalgia of records appeal to both the old guard and a burgeoning younger demographic.
Vinyl will be available in a variety of locations including key urban centres such as Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh Gyle, and York, as per the company’s announcement. This strategic move is part of a larger retail revitalisation effort. Recently, WH Smith revealed plans to introduce Toys ‘R’ Us concessions within many of its outlets. The dual strategy seeks to expand their product range and rejuvenate their presence on the high street.
The reintroduction of vinyl at WH Smith signifies a strategic embrace of nostalgic yet thriving market demands, aligning music heritage with modern retail experiences.
