Sainsbury’s to stock vinyl records in 171 stores

Recognising the unstoppable demand for vinyl in the UK, Sainsbury’s will sell LPs for the first time since the 1980s,Music Week can reveal today.

The range, launching in store on March 21, will include a mix of contemporary and classic records.

Following the huge success of Adele’s 25, selling over 300,000 CDs in the retailer’s stores, the vinyl release is predicted to storm to the top of Sainsbury’s LP charts. Starting from £12, the range also features some of the most seminal albums of all time including The Beatles Abbey Road, Fleetwood MacRumours, Bob Marley Legend, Back to Black by Amy Winehouse and a selection of 2016’s bestsellers to date.

Pete Selby, Sainsbury’s head of music and Books said: “There is an enduring love for this format with music fans and we’re delighted to offer an ongoing selection of titles for everyone, from contemporary releases to much-loved classics. Our customers have rich, varied tastes and our range will naturally reflect this.

“We don’t see this as a novelty gifting fad but a complimentary part of our existing music offer with a long term future in our stores. Vinyl is definitely experiencing a revival with demand growing stronger year on year. It is our aim to make the vinyl experience easy and pleasurable for our customers who are ready to re-engage with a format that resonates with them on an emotional level”

Sean Cowland, Music Buyer added: “The diverse nature of CD sales at Sainsbury’s – from bestselling chart lines to more specialist catalogue – has given us the confidence that our customers not only choose us as a destination for New Release albums but are also open to recommendation and discovery in store. The vinyl offer reflects this”

inyl will be available in 171 stores across the UK and marks the biggest commitment to date to the resurgent format and sees Sainsbury’s secure the greatest number of vinyl outlets on the high street for a single retailer. To support the launch, a Crosley Cruiser Turntable will also be available in store for £80.

The full list of albums, which will be on sale in 171 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, is as follows:

read the full article here at Music Week.