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UK supermarket to sell vinyl

FR181798FR181798 Posts: 2,166
edited August 2015 in Other Music
The new Iron Maiden LP is going to be sold in selected stores of the biggest supermarket chain in the UK and they may stock more vinyl in the future. Good news or bad news?

Personally not liking this news. When supermarkets started selling cheap cds it really hurt record stores and killed many off. This vinyl revival nonsense means everyone's trying to cash in. Vinyl is getting ridiculously expensive, lots of delays, too many reissues. Theres also too much competition when trying to buy on eBay now - people without a clue paying stupid money making it really unaccessible. Can't be the only one who feels like this. It use to be an affordable hobby , not any more.
Post edited by FR181798 on

Comments

  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,060
    edited August 2015
    Well they started selling vinyl at a major pharmacy chain here in Western Canada within the last couple of years (London Drugs), and it's been great. I always like more accessibility and convenience when it comes to record shopping. I love going out of my way to browse a record store for the used vinyl. But new vinyl at local record shops are a rip off, so if I can get that for cheaper at places like supermarkets that are close to my home, great.
    As for prices.... I would think that increased competition amongst sellers would lower prices. So far that hasn't been the case, but I think that is just growing pains. If vinyl sales level off and stay stable, I think we'll see prices drop because of this kind of competition. Will some record stores close if chain stores are selling records? Probably.... the not-so-great ones. The good independent records stores will stay (any good record store I know is always buzzing). And that is good for the consumers IMO.
    I don't think that supermarkets selling CDs is what killed record stores btw. I think that more had to do with music piracy and mp3s.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • FR181798FR181798 Posts: 2,166
    Good points but indie stores struggled to compete with the deals offered to large chain stores here in the UK. Both supermarkets and online shopping hit record stores hard offering cheap CDs. The price of vinyl is getting way out of hand and your right more places stocking it but no price drop, that's because they are all cashing in and the consumer is getting a rough deal.
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,060
    edited August 2015
    So the question is..... at what price do we stop buying it??? :pensive:

    Yeah, the prices do seem to just be going up and up.... this could have to do with the extreme lack of competition among the manufacturers I suppose. Perhaps we need more presses to open up so that they are fighting for clients instead of warding them off due to too much demand. But I don't really know what these presses are charging, and how much the sellers are marking it up. Anyone know this??
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • FR181798FR181798 Posts: 2,166
    I guess you would say I collect modern vinyl and after 20 years Im really considering quitting, limited editions, stupid prices, RSD. The fun is going out of it for me.
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,060
    FR181798 said:

    I guess you would say I collect modern vinyl and after 20 years Im really considering quitting, limited editions, stupid prices, RSD. The fun is going out of it for me.

    Maybe it's your subconscious telling you that you finally have enough records? ;)
    It's not all bad. I find fantastic deals too, and those are the most gratifying purchases, for both new and used.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • FR181798FR181798 Posts: 2,166
    edited September 2015
    Well since the start of the summer I've been trying to cut down buying vinyl. In August I was doing so well. A 2lp and a 7". I've not bought so little in a month in over 5 years, then I blew it at the weekend and had a big spend on an oop Springsteen LP that I already have on cd. Theres not many records I really want but the ones I do want are stupidly expensive.
  • savegringosavegringo Posts: 74
    edited September 2015
    PJ_Soul said:

    So the question is..... at what price do we stop buying it??? :pensive:

    Yeah, the prices do seem to just be going up and up.... this could have to do with the extreme lack of competition among the manufacturers I suppose. Perhaps we need more presses to open up so that they are fighting for clients instead of warding them off due to too much demand. But I don't really know what these presses are charging, and how much the sellers are marking it up. Anyone know this??

    Yes, I run a (small) label so can get you some figures when I have a bit of time. It is worth remembering that the cost of vinyl manufacturing is one of many possible expenses - recording, mixing, mastering, artwork, MCPS (mechanical royalties), PR, advertising - and that is even before you consider general running costs of a label and that it would be nice for the label and band to make a bit of money so they can afford to live. If you are buying in a shop the label will have a distributor who takes a cut and of course the retailer takes a cut as well and will likely be charging tax on top. It really does all add up and breaking even is a victory.
    Post edited by savegringo on
    www.gringorecords.com
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