CDs still beat the Cloud for music buyers, report reveals
In the last year 57 per cent of people bought a CD versus 39 per cent who bought an MP3 download, new research has found.
The ICM report, which surveyed 2,030 UK adults during April, found that despite digital sales and streaming services taking off, consumers still prefer to buy music in a physical format with sales of vinyl up 10 per cent in the last month.
When it comes to buying music, Brits spend more money online than on the high street, with 70 per cent of those surveyed saying this is mainly due to convenience.
Meanwhile 41 per cent spend more online in a single visit, while 29 per cent spend more in store per visit.
This difference is least marked in 18-24s, who spend 30 per cent more in store versus 34 per cent more online.
Maurice Fyles, research director at ICM, said: “Although we can store our music on a PC or in the Cloud, a large proportion of music buyers continue to purchase physical formats with MP3 files as an add-on.
"Perhaps it’s a reaction to the digital world, but physical formats that we might have thought were relegated to history are being revived as fans and collectors opt for limited editions and promotional copies of their favourite music across a range of formats. Much of this activity is being driven from the independent record stores which continue to have a special place in music lovers hearts.”
The research, which included a survey online of 2030 people, also found that 22 per cent of people bought music from the site in the last month, compared to 11 per cent at iTunes and 10 per cent at eBay.
On the high street, supermarkets account for 12 per cent of sales, with independent record stores and HMV at six per cent each.