Did vinyl sales just hit the proverbial brick wall?


Interesting read here about the state of vinyl. Personally, I had no idea what the percentage of vinyl sales was “merchandise” never to be opened or played.

 

https://tedgioia.substack.com/p/did-the-music-business-just-kill?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

128x128wturkey

Vinyl records are the number one selling physical medium for music. They still only make up a small slice of total music revenue when you factor in streaming. All age groups are buying vinyl, and turntables are becoming a ’thing’ to have in the home again. In 2021 turntables were the number one entertainment device sold on Amazon during the holiday season. There are countless turntable manufactures in operation today. Cartridge choices are endless. The product itself, the vinyl record, as a physical product that includes artwork and often more, it’s not just rented electrons. On higher end systems vinyl records just sound better than pure digital recordings, and that physicality is more involving-- for some. There is a ritual aspect to it. It’s not about convenience. In the end, convenience usually wins over consumers, but not for everything and not for everyone. Vinyl records will not vanish along with the boomers. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

@wesheadley … “Vinyl records will not vanish along with the boomers. ”.

 

Well, no, vinyl will not vanish in the next ten years or so… but it will drop dramatically in twenty and be I tiny notch in thirty.

@ghdprentice

Will all wine be in screw-cap bottles in 20-30 years? 

I think sales will level off and grow based upon population like most other established markets. There will always be plenty of people that want to hold the music in their hands.

Pity how most people choose to listen to music these days. Like only eating fast food.

In 2021 turntables were the number one entertainment device sold on Amazon during the holiday season.

Not if you include gaming consoles.  That's where the youngsters spend their money.

@tomcy6 

Yes. I meant in audio devices. Games is probably its own category. 

I got back into vinyl about twelve or so years ago. I'm glad I did.