For Whom The Bell Tolls

In a week when we hear that Tesco is selling vinyl and Amazon are intent on taking the Vinyl Market online the long term consequences will be the end of Indie Music Retail, whether High Street or Online. How can I say that? Experience with the CD Single, CD, DVD, Blu ray market shows that once Supermarkets or large online retailers with their much more favourable terms stock these items there are only 3 losers. Initially, the losers are your Indie retailers who can't compete and just like the late 90's this market will reduce to such an extent it won't be worth the Record Companies investing in sales and distribution to the handful of shops that remain. Secondly, the customer will suffer as less releases will be made available as its unlikely the Supermarkets will be stocking the ISB or Santana and other deep catalogue items. Thirdly, the Record Companies will make a loss. Due to the amazing terms given to these big players, everything unsold gets returned, racking discounts, etc…then the Companies won't make any money. (Sounds a bit like what happened with Downloads) Companies are run by accountants and non profitable areas are cut..bye bye vinyl. I know Tesco is only one Supermarket but others will follow. Anyway I'm going to get out my Trooper Beer and stick on the new Maiden Album and contemplate my new venture selling fruit and Veg…won't be using Tesco any more.

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