The number of physical stores selling music, video and games has reached an all-time high of more than 14,800, according to latest figures from the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA).
Statistics published in the organisation’s annual yearbook reveal that in music and video the official stores total has more than doubled since 2009.
The increase comes despite surging growth in internet sales (Amazon, iTunes) and consumption (games apps, Spotify, Netflix) of entertainment.
However, the number of entertainment outlets has continued to rise with DVD and Blu-ray available in 14,852 stores in 2015 and CD and/or vinyl available in 14,727.
Kim Bayley, ERA chief executive officer, said: ‘These are astonishing numbers.
‘Conventional wisdom has always suggested that the internet spelled the end for physical entertainment stores, but these numbers show that traditional retail still has a place, particularly for impulse purchases and gifts. After all, you can't gift-wrap a download or a stream.’
According to the organisation, a key contributor towards the growth of the UK store estate has been a big rise in the number of general and non-traditional store retailers adding small ranges of chart or specialist entertainment product chosen for their relevance to their particular customers.
Stores now reporting to the Official UK Charts include Argos, Boots, Burton, Moto, Primark and Urban Outfitters (known for their large vinyl selection).
Visit the ERA website for details from the full report.
Statistics published in the organisation’s annual yearbook reveal that in music and video the official stores total has more than doubled since 2009.
The increase comes despite surging growth in internet sales (Amazon, iTunes) and consumption (games apps, Spotify, Netflix) of entertainment.
However, the number of entertainment outlets has continued to rise with DVD and Blu-ray available in 14,852 stores in 2015 and CD and/or vinyl available in 14,727.
Kim Bayley, ERA chief executive officer, said: ‘These are astonishing numbers.
‘Conventional wisdom has always suggested that the internet spelled the end for physical entertainment stores, but these numbers show that traditional retail still has a place, particularly for impulse purchases and gifts. After all, you can't gift-wrap a download or a stream.’
According to the organisation, a key contributor towards the growth of the UK store estate has been a big rise in the number of general and non-traditional store retailers adding small ranges of chart or specialist entertainment product chosen for their relevance to their particular customers.
Stores now reporting to the Official UK Charts include Argos, Boots, Burton, Moto, Primark and Urban Outfitters (known for their large vinyl selection).
Visit the ERA website for details from the full report.
