Rough Trade’s Exciting New Chapter: Vinyl & CD Sales On the Rise
In this episode of Music Biz Chat, I’m diving into the current state of vinyl and CD sales, and how Rough Trade is navigating the ever-evolving music market.
Rough Trade’s Expansion Amidst the Vinyl Boom
Rough Trade, known for its dedication to independent music, is continuing to expand as the vinyl market flourishes. Managing Director Lawrence Montgomery recently spoke to Music Week about the company’s growth and plans for the future. This year alone, Rough Trade opened a new store in Liverpool (April 2024), adding to their locations in London Soho, Bristol, and Nottingham. They’ve also long been staples in East and West London, as well as internationally in New York and Berlin. Their live music venues are an integral part of the Rough Trade experience, creating a vibrant connection between artists and fans.
With physical sales increasing 3.2% across the board in 2024, and vinyl sales up 12.4%, Rough Trade is seeing more demand than ever for vinyl records. This reflects the growing importance of physical formats not only as a nostalgic purchase but also as a crucial part of album marketing strategies.
CDs Are Making a Comeback
Now, for those of us still deeply passionate about CDs, here’s some fantastic news. CD sales may have declined slightly overall (down 1.5% year-on-year in 2024), but Rough Trade has reported a 7% increase in their CD sales for the first half of the year. What’s even more significant is that Rough Trade had previously removed CDs from their stores, believing the format was finished. But now, with renewed demand, they are reintroducing CDs, trialing new ranges, and planning to bring the format back to all their stores by the end of 2024.
This turnaround is a hopeful sign for CD collectors. Rough Trade sees strong demand for box sets, compilations, and limited-edition releases, which points to a bright future for the format. As Lawrence Montgomery explains, while vinyl might dominate in growth, CDs offer a more affordable alternative, especially for those priced out of the increasingly expensive vinyl market.
The Future of CDs: Unique Packaging & Collectibles
Montgomery’s insights suggest that the future of the CD market lies in making the format unique—mirroring what has worked so well for vinyl. Exclusive artwork, signed copies, and limited-edition runs are key strategies Rough Trade is exploring to keep CD sales strong. For many fans, physical formats are not just about the music; they represent a tangible connection to the artist. As Montgomery puts it, “Ultimately, the format is secondary—we want to delight customers whether they want a record, a CD, a book, or whatever it is.”
Demographics: Changing Audiences for Vinyl & CDs
Another interesting observation from Montgomery is the shifting demographics of vinyl buyers. The 18-24 age group has a much more balanced gender split compared to the predominantly male 55+ audience. This is a promising trend, especially with younger generations engaging more with physical formats. This diversity could be influenced by high-profile artists like Taylor Swift, who have sparked renewed interest in vinyl and physical media among younger fans.
Why Physical Music Still Matters
Despite the dominance of streaming, Rough Trade’s expansion and the resurgence of physical formats like vinyl and CDs show that people still want music they can hold in their hands. For many fans, physical music offers a sense of connection, belonging, and permanence that streaming can’t provide. It’s about being part of a community, much like the one we have here at Now Spinning Magazine. Whether it’s vinyl, CDs, or merchandise, having a physical piece of an artist’s work is a way to feel closer to the music.
Streaming is a fantastic tool for discovery, but for many music lovers, it’s the physical formats that offer a deeper, more meaningful experience. As we’ve seen with bands like Cats in Space and When Rivers Meet, fans want to engage with artists beyond just the digital space—they want to own a part of the music and be part of something bigger.
Looking Ahead
The return of CDs to Rough Trade’s stores, combined with their continued focus on live gigs and vinyl, shows that physical music is far from obsolete. As the market evolves, we’ll likely see more innovation in how these formats are presented, with an emphasis on making them special and collectible. This is a great time for music fans who appreciate physical formats, and it’s exciting to see how Rough Trade is leading the charge.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
