Who needs Record Store Day?
Despite the success of RSD 2019 earlier this year, HMV has scored its own success with a dedicated vinyl celebration.
HMV Vinyl Week ran from June 7-16 with dozens of limited edition releases made available on Saturday (June 15).
The chain sold 77,000 LPs across Vinyl Week and sales were up 51% year-on-year. It also also represented the biggest sales week since the business was acquired by Putman, who has spoken of plans to increase the vinyl range in stores.
The fastest-selling exclusive titles were Queen’s Greatest Hits (red vinyl), the band’s The Works (clear vinyl), The Clash’s Combat Rock (green vinyl), Siouxsie & The Banshees’ Hyaena (purple splatter vinyl) and REM’s In Time (blue vinyl).
It was the biggest day of the year so far and sales surpassed expectations
HMV spokesperson
HMV also reported strong sales of new albums from Madonna and Bruce Springsteen, which were released in time for the busiest day of Vinyl Week.
A spokesperson said: “We're really pleased, it was the most successful Vinyl Week yet with a huge response from our customers, it was the biggest day of the year so far and sales surpassed expectations.”
New owner Doug Putman has previously spoken to Music Week about his hopes to be part of Record Store Day, which has an indie retail focus. However, Putman’s Sunrise Records chain does take part in Canada’s RSD.
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