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27.04.12 MusicWeek 37


service, a ‘distribution’ company would be missing out on a huge section of the marketplace.” The potential need to branch out into new


sectors for clients is something well recognised by Plastic Head’s senior label manager Ben Farrar. “Plastic Head has always tried to maintain a


forward-thinking outlook on the direction of the company,” he says. “Whilst ensuring we consolidate our position as music distributor continuing to offer the best service to our suppliers, we will also be developing other aspects of the business further to expand our customer base and be able to offer a wider range of media products over a variety of mediums.” But rather than ditching


struggling sectors to run towards whatever’s new and thriving, there’s a wide consensus that distributors need to show support to the High Street. “It would be dreadful to think that the problems


Absolute’s Semmence is similarly keen to see


High Street retailers survive. “The situation in the High Street is obviously a concern, not just with HMV, but the uncertainty of what direction the supermarkets will take,” he says. “I firmly believe there is still a huge appetite for CDs - if priced and packaged correctly - and it would be a shame if High Street retailers did not embrace this.” Essential’s Chadwick observes: “Retailers face


“Online and digital sales are vitally


important but we must never forget that the high street stores are literally the shop


window for music in all its guises. Specialist music and specialist stores go hand in hand, it’s the life-blood of the industry” LAURIE STAFF, CADIZ


tough rents and rates on the High Street, and our industry works in low-value goods, which makes it even harder. Maybe there’s a future in a UK music or entertainment retail chain that doesn’t operate on the High Street - but on smaller side streets.” Still, Nova Sales and


Distribution Wilf Mann expects a relentless shift to


digital to ultimately force distributors to rely on niche physical product. “A gradual shift to digital will clearly continue,


in the High Street could spell the end of music being available anywhere other than online specialists and supermarkets,” says Farrar. “We want to continue to support this part of the sector and I believe other retailers don’t want to see music and media stores disappear either. It’s up to distributors to be bold and find new ways of working with High Street retailers to keep product available there.”


with digital generations growing while the CD buyers get older and purchase less,” he predicts. “Special music formats such as box-sets or limited


runs of CDs will become the leading physical formats on many items - and I think we’ll see the so-called ‘long tail’ of sales slow over time.” EPM’s Stone echoes the words of Absolute’s Semmence and Plastic Head’s Farrar when it comes


RIGHT The shop window: music and specialist stores go ‘hand in hand’ according to Laurie Staff of Cadiz


to anticipating what the distribution sector will look like in the future. “I think distributors will become more and more


involved in the promotion and marketing of its clients releases - in effect becoming an extension of the very labels that it serves,” he says. The Orchard is prepared to expand the services


it offers on all fronts in order to help the entire industry remain healthy. says Brad Navin: “We must help labels and artists navigate the new music industry. Whether that means offering marketing support, the best rates from the newest services, neighbouring rights collection, song synchronisation, robust real-time analytics or simply a conversation with a person who can offer pricing advice. We believe that distribution in the 21st century is this entire suite of services and, at The


Quality physical and digital distribution


in the UK and worldwide


Physical distribution through Universal Music and Gem Logistics


Tel: 020 8692 3555 www.cadizmusic.co.uk www.cadizmusic.com www.customhousemusic.com


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