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With file sharing, the death of independent radio, and out of touch record labels, the music industry hasn't exactly been flourishing lately. CD sales are way down, and while online music sales are way up, they're not exactly filling the gap. Unsurprising, then, that coffee uber-franchise Starbucks is scrapping its foray into the music distribution business, focusing instead on what it does best: coffee. Starbucks had aspirations of turning into not just a cool place to get hot Venti Lattes in the morning, but also a place to check out new artists and buy a CD or three while you sipped and chatted. Those plans started with a rack of CDs at stores, along with iTunes gift cards, and a new music label. But when it was revealed that each store was selling only two discs per day, it was clear that people were coming for the caffeine kick and little else.
The chain will still continue to sell a few CDs here and there, but its upstart music label has been sold off, leaving fledgling bands with one fewer venue to get their music out there. And thus the cycle continues. [Source: Silicon Alley Insider]
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Comments
2
Subscribe to commentsseanJun 26th 2008 1:28PM
it is about time they start focusing. Never understood them selling music most people never wanted to hear in the stores let alone buy. Now if they eliminate the background static(music) so patrons can converse, work on their laptops or read they might be getting somewhere. Also, close all thos terrifically small stores where you can not sit and relax. If I want on the go coffee I can get that at home or at MCD's or something close to it through the drive thurs at fast food joints for alot less. It is about ATMOSPHERE, comfort and alot of the stores are to small for any of that. Now on the go places like large grocery stores make sense, jsut not small destination locations. Get it? GOt it? good.
thegadgetguruAug 21st 2008 1:40PM
I agree- most of the music selections they play seemed designed to just want you to get out of their store quicker... If I am in starbucks i would rather hear my OWN selection than their crappy b side selection of music that plays endlessly in the background.