The Deterioration of Music Retailers in Contemporary Society

In contemporary society, there is no longer a need for a physical retailer to purchase music. Companies that distribute music for consumer usage such as HMV, Walmart, etc., within the past were the central core of supply for record allocation ; however, technological advances have altered consumer purchasing conventions. Recently, there has been a transition of music being purchased from the traditional hard copy format to purchasing music in a digital layout from the web. The outdated system of purchasing music has been replaced by web based digital music, which is easier to access, more portable and gives consumers more purchasing control than the long-established hard copy album format found in conventional stores.

Innovative technology has allowed for the implementation of web based digital music, which allows for easier retrieval of music for consumers compared to the access of the physical hard copy. The accessibility of digital music allows for continuous consumption, this unique feature has expanded the approach to the business of music. This is because people can access web based digital music 24/7 and essentially can be done anywhere that has an internet connection. The consumer can purchase music anytime during the day for example, eating breakfast in their pyjamas to sitting outside on the deck. This gives purchasers alternate access to music on the basis of the retailer’s constraints. Stores run on certain hours of operation that does not include the late evening and nightly hours. Retailers are restricted to available hours of operation, which are dictated by labour, laws, salaries and market demand. As well, it does not always blend with the work or school schedules of everyone else. The perimeters surrounding the acquisition of music from a retail location, such as the hours of operation depict a foremost advantage of digital music. Most people are busy during the hours of store operation which can make it very difficult for them to go