The beat goes online
Article Abstract:
The future of music distribution is said to be digital. It has been predicted that in the near future there will be no need for record shops because people will be able to download their chosen music over the Internet. Smaller, more streamlined record companies are leading this change in the market. US based Twin/Tone has already down away with CD's and all of its products are now to be sold over the Internet. CD quality sound files will be able to be downloaded and recorded onto CD in the homes of the music fans. This service will be paid for by credit card and is said to be very cheap. It will also be possible to listen to the music before you choose to purchase it or not. Liquid Audio, the new delivery system used by Twin/Tone allows users to download individual tracks in the reduced time of 10 minutes. In this way there will be no need for people to have extensive home video tapes and CD's as eventually the same technology will be able to be used to download movies and motion pictures. Record shops are already starting to witness a decline in sales. In the US sales have fallen by 7% during 1997 despite increases in the number of new titles released. Shops are already starting to cut back on the shelf space which they give to CD's and other formats.
Comment:
UK: Record shops will no longer be needed in future as people will be able to download chosen music over Internet, says forecast
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Shop to drop - a modern disease
Article Abstract:
It has been estimated that there are around 2.5mn people in the UK who can be described as compulsive shoppers. Over the last twenty years the number of compulsive shoppers has doubled, and this is largely attributed to a 20% increase in disposable income over this period. One of the main motives for this type of behaviour is understood to be an attempt to improve your self image and make yourself feel good. Women tend to purchase items such as jewellery, clothes and handbags to make themselves feel good, where as men purchase electronic and leisure goods such as compact discs and sports equipment. Although more women are compulsive shoppers than men the number of male compulsive shoppers is expected to continue to increase.
Comment:
UK: It has been estimated that there are around 2.5 mil people in the country who can be described as compulsive shoppers
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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