Article

RECORD STORE DAY X TAYLOR SWIFT – UK VINYL SALES HAVE THEIR BEST WEEK IN 30 YEARS

April 30, 2024

The combination of April 20th’s Record Store Day and the release of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department meant vinyl sales last week enjoyed their highest weekly total in 30 years, according to analysis by digital entertainment and retail association ERA.

 

Data from the Official Charts Company show 269,134 vinyl albums and 37,656 vinyl singles were sold in chart week 17, making a total of 306,791. This is higher than in any week since week five 1994 when current statistics began.

 

Sales of vinyl copies of The Tortured Poets Department- many of them sold through independent record stores - accounted for just under a quarter (24.7%) of the week’s vinyl album sales.

 

Meanwhile sales of vinyl albums exclusive to independent record shops as part of Record Store Day accounted for an estimated 37.2% of the vinyl albums market.

 

Last week’s success for vinyl indicates that the format’s revival shows no sign of waning after 2023 marked its 16th consecutive year of growth. Four of the Top 10 biggest weeks for vinyl in the past 30 years have come in the past 12 months.

 

Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA, said it is no coincidence that vinyl should reach another high point in the week of Record Store Day, “Indie record shops were first to realise that the growth of streaming would paradoxically provide an opportunity for the most physical of physical formats,” she said, “and vinyl has sat at the heart of Record Store Day’s celebration of indie record shop culture since 2008.“

 

She said it was particularly appropriate that it was the combination of RSD and Taylor Swift which helped deliver the week 17.

 

“Taylor Swift has long been a supporter of indie record stores and served as Record Store Day’s global ambassador in 2022,” she said. “Her support has undoubtedly helped drive even more younger fans to indie record shops, helping sustain the stores which are one of the most vibrant elements of the music ecosystem.”

 

Highlighting the synergies between Ms Swift, vinyl and indie record shops, Taylor Swift titles led by The Tortured Poets Department account for the three top performing vinyl albums week of release since 1994.

 

TOP PERFORMING VINYL ALBUMS WEEK-OF-RELEASE SINCE 1994



Title Artist Week 1 Vinyl Units
1 The Tortured Poets Department Taylor Swift 66,388
2 Midnights Taylor Swift 61,948
3 1989 (Taylor's Version) Taylor Swift 61,791
4 The Car Arctic Monkeys 37,866
5 Harry's House Harry Styles 36,041
6 Voyage Abba 29,891
7 C'mon You Know Liam Gallagher 29,558
8 Hackney Diamonds Rolling Stones 27,371
9 Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino Arctic Monkeys 24,478
10 Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Taylor Swift 22,777

Source: ERA/The Official Charts Company

 

Earlier this year ERA revealed that the number of independent record stores in the UK had reached a 10 year high of 461.



share this article

other news

Related Articles

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

October 21, 2025
Record Store Day are proud to celebrate UK Black History Month.

RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FRIDAY: EXCLUSIVE RELEASES ANNOUNCED

October 2, 2025
This year, Record Store Day’s sister event, Black Friday, returns on Friday 28 th November with a stacked lineup of special releases, exclusively for independent record shops. Highlights include limited edition vinyl from Sam Fender & Olivia Dean, Fred again.., Icona Pop & Charli XCX, Bruno Mars, Maribou State, Billie Eilish, Young Fathers and over 100 artists across a variety of genres, ensuring something for every music fan. Releases will be available exclusively at UK independent record stores from 8am on 28 th November. Find participating stores here, with a full list of titles found here . Record Store Day Black Friday continues to offer a unique alternative to the usual Black Friday frenzy, focusing on collectible editions and memorable releases that music lovers of all ages will treasure for years to come. Lägom Studio And it’s this unique and premium alternative to Black Friday that perfectly sets the stage for the introduction of Record Store Day UK’s official new partner, Lägom Studio. Lägom Studio sets out to create bespoke furniture that truly celebrates the joy of record collecting. From their Lincolnshire workshop, Lägom Studio's team of 10 like-minded creatives—including artists, designers, DJs, and collectors—designs and builds beautiful solid wood storage and display pieces. Specializing in bespoke solutions for vinyl, mixed media, and hi-fi components, they offer a high degree of customization in size, finish, and layout. Chris Mitchell, Director, said of the partnership: “We are passionate about vinyl, music and design, and set out to bring solid, lasting furniture back into a disposable world. Our pieces are made to be cherished for a lifetime, just like the records they hold. We are excited to partner with Record Store Day as it aligns perfectly with our own ethics and our ongoing support for independent shops and high street record stores at the heart of the music community.” More information on the partnership will be revealed in the coming months, but in the meantime, you check out the full list of exclusive releases coming soon to your local independent record shop. For details on each title, visit the RSD website here . 

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: THE LAST DINNER PARTY - FROM THE PYRE

October 1, 2025
From The Pyre is the second album from Brit Award winners, record shop favourites, and rising indie sensations, The Last Dinner Party. Coming off their Mercury Award–nominated Prelude to Ecstasy, the London-based five-piece are back, delivering theatrical indie rock that cements their place as one of the UK’s most exciting new bands. “It is our absolute delight to present our new album From The Pyre to the world,” the band say. “This record feels a little darker, more raw and more earthy; it takes place looking out at a sublime landscape rather than seated at an opulent table.” Although only a year has passed since their debut, the band have been cultivating these songs since their earliest rehearsals in 2020. Lead single Nothing Matters has been a staple of every setlist since their very first gig at the George Tavern. Reflecting on these early songs, the band say: “We have held, nurtured and fed these first songs for a long time, and in return they have flown us to heights and guided us on journeys once totally incomprehensible.” From The Pyre is a concept album, with character-driven stories bound by the allegorical world of ‘The Pyre’. Each track is imagined as part of a travelling medieval mystery play, with the band cast as its players. “This frame narrative felt like a way of visually representing our lives as a band, once again mythologising the everyday,” they explain. This month, indie record shops are stocking From The Pyre on exclusive Inferno 140g vinyl. With neon colours that echo the album cover, a 12x12” lyric sheet, and a collectible sticker, it’s a must for fans. So head to your local indie record shop and grab From The Pyre when it drops on 17th October - the Last Dinner Party’s second chapter of theatrical indie rock, perfect for vinyl lovers and anyone ready to dive into their mythic world!
ALL ARTICLES