John Lewis has partnered with Rough Trade, the pioneering independent music retailer, to offer customers the chance to buy a range of iconic albums at John Lewis stores and online from later this month.
With sales of turntables and record players up 17 per cent compared with five years ago, there is strong demand from music-fans for the much-loved format. John Lewis has increased the range of turntables by 46 per cent over the same period.
The new vinyl assortment is a carefully curated selection of old and modern classics that pay homage to Rough Trade’s past, and includes albums from artists including Nirvana, Radiohead and Marvin Gaye.
Jason Billings-Cray, buyer at John Lewis, said: “We’re excited to be part of the vinyl revival, partnering with Rough Trade to bring vinyl records back to our stores. It’s clear that there is a strong market for the format – with both our turntable range and sales up considerably in recent years. We’re confident that this new album assortment will be a smash hit with our customers.”
Lawrence Montgomery, managing director at Rough Trade, added: “At Rough Trade, we’ve been so thrilled to see the growing appreciation for physical music among a diverse audience of music fans. Vinyl buyers are embracing a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting an exciting enthusiasm for discovery. Importantly, the vinyl resurgence continues to deepen the connection between artists and fans, offering a tangible and meaningful way to celebrate the music they love. We look forward to sharing this vibrant culture with John Lewis customers.”
John Lewis currently sells nearly 20 different turntables online and in store. The vinyl records will be available online at johnlewis.com and in select John Lewis stores, including Peter Jones, Bluewater, Cheadle, and Edinburgh.
