WH Smith will reintroduce vinyl records to its product offering as the retailer responds to growing consumer demand.
Some 80 of its high street stores will sell chart hits and classic albums on vinyl, including in Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh and York.
“After thirty years vinyl is back at WHSmith! I’m sure there are many customers out there who remember spending hours in record shops browsing the latest vinyl LPs and the artistic record covers,” explained Emma Smyth, commercial director WH Smith high street.
“To me it’s no surprise that vinyl is growing in popularity again, and we are very excited to be bringing back record selections to more than 80 different stores across the UK for both seasoned fans and new listeners alike.”
The retailer had previously phased out vinyl nearly three decades ago when CDs were the medium of choice.
WH Smith is working to transform its business model with a real focus on travel locations, however this latest move also sees investment in high street branches. It recently introduced five new Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops within its high street stores, which it stressed has been met with good feedback. It is on track to open a further 25 shop-in-shops this financial year.
WH Smith is ranked with the UK Top250 retailers.
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