Vinyl sales in UK expected to hit 4m in 2017, and 1m over Christmas alone

New figures from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) show that vinyl sales will hit 4 million units over the 12 months of 2017.

The figures, based on data from the Official Chart Company, show that 25.8% of total vinyl purchases occur over the Christmas rush.

That’s 1 million sales just this month alone, as long players are given out as presents.

This is a jump of 26.1% on the same four-week period last year.

This month’s big vinyl movers will be Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, Pink Floyd, Sam Smith, The Beatles, Rag’N’Bone Man, George Michael, and The Guardians Of The Galaxy soundtrack, the BPI said.

Deluxe box sets from The Smiths, Iron Maiden and David Bowie have just hit the UK market.

BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor said: “More and more of us have been rediscovering the joys of vinyl as artists and labels release more of their new
titles and classic albums in the format.

“The aesthetic appeal of vinyl albums also make them a highly desirable Christmas gift item that friends and family will love to receive.

“Vinyl is aspirational, collectible and has a high perceived value despite being generally affordable, and this December we’re expecting more than 1
million LPs to be purchased.”

The HMV music chain, which has over 15 million customers, says that vinyl will be getting a push in-store. Vinyl makes up a third of its sales.

HMV music manager, John Hirst, said, “2017 is already set to be our biggest year on vinyl since the late 80s and Q4 gifting will be a massive part of that.”

Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company estimated that vinyl will be worth a £20 million (A$35.3 million) business this year.

It was, he said, “an incredible turnaround from barely £3 million ($5.3 million) just five years ago.”

The recent vinyl boom, where sales were up 1.472%, not only saw record companies launch high profile vinyl campaigns, but also saw the launch of US subscription company Vinyl Me Please to launch in the UK.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s is launching its own record labels.

The vinyl buying demographic is also widening, says Kantar Worldpanel research.

About a quarter are now aged under 34, and almost half (46%) are female.