WHSmith has announced it will once again stock vinyl records at 80 of its UK locations, triggered by increasing customer interest.

• The retailer initially introduced vinyl in the 1950s but halted sales 30 years ago as CDs grew in popularity.
• WHSmith is set to carry a selection of both chart-topping hits and classic albums in various cities such as Canterbury and Edinburgh.
• Reports highlight a significant resurgence in vinyl record sales, with a notable 11.7% increase in the past year alone.
• Store head Emma Smyth expresses enthusiasm about reintroducing vinyl for both longtime fans and new collectors.

In a move driven by customer demand, WHSmith is reinstating vinyl records in its product lineup at 80 stores across the United Kingdom. The decision marks the end of a 30-year hiatus, during which vinyl records were absent from the company’s offerings, due mainly to the rise of compact discs in the music industry. The resurgence of vinyl’s popularity, however, has prompted the retailer to reconsider their potential.

Vinyl records first appeared on WHSmith shelves in the 1950s, only to be phased out three decades ago. This decision was influenced by the burgeoning success of CDs, which dominated the market at the time. The current market conditions, however, show a shift, with music aficionados gravitating back to the analog sound and aesthetic appeal that vinyl uniquely offers.

WHSmith’s initiative will feature a blend of chart-topping records and timeless classics, strategically placed in select locations such as Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh, and York. This carefully curated selection aims to cater to both seasoned vinyl enthusiasts and newcomers alike, providing a comprehensive sampling of musical genres from the past and present.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) reports underscore the revival of vinyl records, highlighting a notable 11.7% increase in sales, reaching 5.9 million units over the past year. Such statistics reflect a broader trend within the music industry, whereby traditional physical formats are experiencing renewed interest from consumers.

Echoing these sentiments, Emma Smyth, WHSmith’s High Street Commercial Director, shares the excitement surrounding vinyl’s resurgence within the retail chain. Smyth expressed confidence in the initiative’s ability to attract both nostalgic former customers and a younger demographic discovering vinyl for the first time.

WHSmith’s strategic return to vinyl retail underscores a broader cultural trend, marking vinyl’s enduring appeal amidst evolving consumer preferences.