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https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/23/cd-compact-disc-christmas-shopping-lists-gen-z-embrace-retro-renaissance>
"Forget the vinyl revival. CD players and compact discs are back on Christmas
lists this year amid a wave of 90s nostalgia and coveted “deluxe” releases from
big acts such as Taylor Swift and Pink Floyd.
Demand for compact discs peaked in the mid-00s and many households ditched
their systems and libraries as digital music took off. But the distinctive
whirr is returning to bedrooms around the country, with retailers and
marketplaces experiencing an uptick in appetite for vintage tech and music to
play on it.
John Lewis has upped its range of CD players to meet resurgent demand and says
sales are up 74% in the last year. “We’re seeing something of a retro
renaissance,” said Heather Andrews, one of its electricals buyers.
The format’s cause is being helped by the return of classic 90s acts such as
Oasis and Pulp – who peaked in the CD era – and filled stadiums this summer.
Although the lion’s share of music sales are through streaming, experts report
a burgeoning demand for physical copies, complete with artwork and liner notes
to muse over. Fans also know buying a physical copy of an album is a more
effective way to financially support artists they like."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
