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Apple Is Now the #1 US Music Retailer

Posted by kdawson on from the nose-bleed-ascension dept.

Quantrell writes "A leaked e-mail shows that Apple hit the #1 spot for music sales in January. The article speculates that consumers cashing in their holiday gift cards may have played a role; but of course Wal-Mart and the other retailers sold gift cards too. The news is a mixed bag for the record labels. 'For the music industry, there is a dark side to Apple's ascension to the top of the charts. Buying patterns for digital downloads are different, as customers are far more likely to cherry pick a favorite track or two from an album than purchase the whole thing. In contrast, brick-and-mortar sales are predominantly high-margin CDs.'" We recently discussed Wal-Mart's role in the music business, back when they were selling nearly 20% of US music. For January Apple was at 19% and Wal-Mart at 15%.

3 of 251 comments (clear)

  1. Outrageous! by slcdb · · Score: 0, Redundant

    For the music industry, there is a dark side to Apple's ascension to the top of the charts. Buying patterns for digital downloads are different, as customers are far more likely to cherry pick a favorite track or two from an album than purchase the whole thing.

    Gasp! Heaven forbid that companies might actually give customers what they want! It's an OUTRAGE!!!
    --
    Despite what EULAs say, most software is sold, not licensed.
  2. That's what Amazon is for by TheJerg · · Score: 1, Redundant

    DRM free ftw!

  3. One Original and the rest are just imitators by jpdzahr · · Score: -1, Redundant

    Apple has done a Great job in survival over the decades and you have to applaud them for their ingenuity with the iPod which has become a household name with many imitators and copy cats. When you are the BEST everyone wants to copy you. http://www.findthebestlawyers.com/