London Drugs Gets Loud on Vinyl Record Day

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 7, 2014) -

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They are considered precious treasure to many collectors when they are awarded gold or platinum status, but they aren't your typical treasure. However, vinyl records are as close to gold for many audiophiles who love to hunt down their favourite new or used title.

August 12 marks the day Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, and with the resurgence of vinyl records, it's only natural for collectors to band together and celebrate their own day.

Vinyl Record Day takes place August 12, and Western Canadian retailer London Drugs is joining the party. Vinyl sales in the United States have grown by around 40 per cent the first half of 2014 compared to the same time frame in 2013.¹

London Drugs is the first large retailer to offer a vast collection of vinyl, and has expanded its collection to several hundred titles over the last few years. The chain has become a go-to location for vinyl enthusiasts and has seen the audience for vinyl double over the last four years. The audience now includes younger fans who are just now experiencing vinyl records for the first time, as well as older fans who grew up on vinyl LPs and have once again found them.

"These statistics reveal a telling story – that vinyl records are no longer just a blast from the past," said Andy Kahrmann, Business Unit Manager, London Drugs. "We are seeing new generations discover vinyl for the first time, and at the same time we have long-time vinyl enthusiasts rediscovering the world of vinyl."

So why all the love for vinyl again? The simple answer – it's a memorable experience. Not only that, but it brings back memories. The nostalgia associated with a vinyl record cannot be matched by a digital track.

Take a vinyl album, with its big, beautiful cover art and liner notes, take it out of its sleeve and smell the fresh vinyl, place it on the turntable and drop the needle. The second you hear the needle drop and the speakers crack to life, you are hearing music the way the artist intended.

"I own about 1,700 albums," said Brent Bexson, Calgary musician and vinyl record collector. "The audio quality is superior, and I love the fact that you can read the liner notes without a magnifying glass. There's also something static about vinyl. You can't just walk into the other room, or leave the house with it attached to your head. You are forced to sit and listen and devote your attention to the music."

London Drugs invites vinyl enthusiasts across Western Canada to celebrate Vinyl Record Day on August 12, 2014 at any store location. Stores will be participating by spinning vinyl, and providing sales discounts on various items. In addition, customers will be given a party kit checklist in preparation of their own Vinyl Record Day celebrations.

AUGUST 12, 2014 VINYL OFFERS*

• Buy any Dual Turntable and get a free LP (value up to $39.99 and available in store only)
• Buy either version of the Klipsch Deal of the Month and get two free LPs (value up to $39.99 and available in store only) each
• 10% off any Vinyl LP (available online and in store)

*Offers only available on August 12, 2014

About London Drugs

Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs has 79 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba including its online store www.londondrugs.com. London Drugs offers consumers a range of products from digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,500 people with pharmacy and health care services being the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

¹ Source: SoundScan (United States) via Digital Journal http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2081272#ixzz39XQM6NkN

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