Vinyl to Make a Comeback at WH Smith Stores After More Than 30 Years
High street retailer WH Smith is set to reintroduce vinyl records for the first time in over three decades across multiple stores nationwide. The chain has announced plans to offer vinyl in 80 high street outlets, aiming to tap into the resurging popularity of this music format among a new generation of enthusiasts.
The revival of vinyl sales in recent years can be attributed to its newfound trendiness, with artists like Taylor Swift and Oasis releasing albums in this format. Sales of vinyl have soared, showing an 11.7% increase to nearly six million in 2023, marking the 16th consecutive year of growth, as reported by the British Phonographic Industry.
Emma Smyth, commercial director of WH Smith’s high street operations, expressed excitement about the return of vinyl, reminiscing about the charm of browsing record shops for new LPs. She highlighted the allure of vinyl’s unique cover art and anticipated the joy it would bring to both veteran collectors and first-time listeners.
WH Smith’s selection of vinyl will be available in various locations such as Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh Gyle, and York. The retailer had initially started selling vinyl albums in the 1950s, becoming a significant product category. However, declining popularity due to the emergence of CDs led to the discontinuation of vinyl sales in the 1990s.
This move is part of WH Smith’s efforts to diversify its offerings and rejuvenate its stores, following the launch of plans to incorporate Toys ‘R’ Us concessions in 76 stores by year-end, marking the return of the beloved retail brand to the high street. The reintroduction of vinyl reflects a broader trend in the music industry, showcasing the enduring appeal of retro formats in a digital age.