UK: physical music sales down, online up

Retail sales of music in the UK were down 8% in 2008, according to figures published by the BPI (British Phonographic Industry).

They say this is partly due to the closure of a number of retailers such as the Woolworths chain. Physical sales were down 5.3% on the previous year.

Digital sales have nevertheless gone up over the same period with 110 million singles sold (+ 42%) and 10 million albums (+ 68%) downloaded.

95% of sales of singles and 10% of overall music sales are now made online. Three albums - Viva La Vida by Coldplay ; Only By Night by Kings of Leon ; and Rockferry by Duffy – have sold over 100,000 internet downloads.