Digital sales continue to grow, though album sales down overall

UK record label trade body the BPI yesterday released sales stats for the third quarter of 2011, which is depressing. Not because the figures are depressing, but because that’s reminded us all we are now into the final quarter of the year. Mince pie anyone?

Anyway, the figures. Actually, they are a bit depressing too. Overall album sales were down 11.4% compared on the same quarter last year, from 24.6 million to 21.8 million. On the up side, digital album sales were up 24.2% year on year, and the digital singles market continued to grow.

Unsurprisingly, Adele dominates across the board, having the two best-selling albums so far this year and the best selling single. Bruno Mars has the third best selling album, while Jessie J has the second best selling single.

BPI boss man Geoff Taylor told CMU: “While trading conditions are tough on the High Street, the strong pace of growth in the digital music market is extremely encouraging for the future. 2011 is shaping up to be a third record year for singles, which are now almost entirely a digital business. But the real story is how consumers are connecting with the value and instant enjoyment offered by the digital album. A growth rate of almost 25% is an outstanding performance for any sector in these difficult economic times”.

Sections: Digital - Music Business | Tags: Adele, BPI, Geoff Taylor

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Monday October 3rd, 2011 11:21

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