WHSmith is relaunching vinyl in its high street stores after 30-year absence

With physical music such as vinyl seeing a resurgence, the retailer is bringing back vinyl for the first time in 30 years as it aims to expand its appeal to more high street customers.

Stores including Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh Gyle and York will stock a selection of chart hits and classic albums on vinyl.

Vinyl LP sales increased for the 16th consecutive year in 2023 with nearly six million units sold, growing 11.7% compared to the previous year according to the British Phonographic Industry. 

WHSmith first started selling vinyl albums in the 1950s, making its high street stores a destination for purchases.

The retailer also introduced Toys R Us shop-in-shop to its high street stores. The exclusive partnership led to the return of Toys R Us almost 40 years after first arriving in the UK.

WHSmith hopes to open 76 Toys R Us outlets by the end of the year.

WHSmith high street commercial director Emma Smyth said: “After thirty years, vinyl is back at WHSmith, I’m sure there are many customers out there who remember spending hours in record shops browsing the latest vinyl LPs and the artistic record covers. 

“To me it’s no surprise that vinyl is growing in popularity again, and we are very excited to be bringing back record selections to more than 80 different stores across the UK for both seasoned fans and new listeners alike.”