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iTunes Store now top music retailer in US
Apple today announced that the iTunes Store has passed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US, based on the latest data from the NPD Group. The NPD Group’s MusicWatch survey captures consumer reported past week unit purchases and counts one CD as representing 12 tracks; the iTunes Store became the largest music retailer in the US based on the amount of music sold during January and February 2008. “We launched iTunes less than five years ago, and it has now become the number one music retailer in the world,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of iTunes. “We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone.” Apple in February announced the Store’s move into second position; since its inception, the iTunes Store has sold over four billion songs, and currently offers the world’s largest music catalog with over six million songs.
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1
“We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone.”
You’re welcome! Although I wasn’t trying to do my part to help you guys reach a world record… I was just wanting to listen to some tunes. But yeah…. we did it!
Posted by Mike M on April 3, 2008 at 2:42 PM (PDT)
2
It’s a shame too, considering that Amazon.com mp3 downloads are not locked into apple’s restricted format of choice and don’t require burning and reripping to get them out of itunes. Not to mention the fact that I was able to find 2 or 3 tracks that were simply unavailable on itunes but readily available on amazon. Regardless of the clear superiority of amazon downloads however, I’m glad that apple was able to achieve such success while dissing the record companies. good work apple! now hopefully in 5 years or so amazon will be able to achieve the same status
Posted by jarofchris on April 7, 2008 at 2:36 PM (PDT)
3
Well, to be fair, Apple does offer some DRM-free downloads (ie, the “iTunes Plus” format), and apparently has tried to offer a wider selection, but many of the labels who are freely providing DRM-free tracks to Amazon are not allowing the same for iTunes.
This is likely an attempt by the record labels to ensure some diversity among retailers and reduce some Apple’s control/influence in the digital music marketplace.
Doesn’t seem to have worked so far, mind you….
Posted by Jesse David Hollington in Toronto on April 7, 2008 at 4:33 PM (PDT)