TMN RETROSPECTIVE REPORT: JB Hi-Fi’s expansion – 2007

TMN celebrates two decades in this ever-shifting music industry by taking a look back at the key moments – both triumphant and tumultuous – in the Australian music business.

2007
JB HI-FI’S EXPANSION

Starting as a single Melbourne store in 1974, and making the early decision to scrap vinyl and exclusively stock CDs by 1991, JB Hi-Fi’s rise has been phenomenal, and due in no small part to the controversial lift on parallel imports in ‘98, which allowed the retailer to grow from 10 national stores at the turn of the century to 72 by early 2007, cementing it as the nation’s #1 music retailer. Its wide selection of deep catalogue items, and low-priced new releases has been derided by many, and blamed for the death of the local record store, talk of its recent venture into stocking a hefty vinyl selection has only helped amplify.

Our year on year reports are published courtesy of the Australian Music Industry Quarterly magazine. For your free copy click here.