Independent shops launch database in bid to revive sector

Independent music shops from across the UK have come together to create an online database aimed at boosting visitors to their stores.

The new database, which will be feature on website Indierecordshop, will allow users to locate their local independent music retail stores and discover any upcoming events.

According to recent figures, less than 300 UK independent music stores are still in business compared to 774 in 2004. This fall has largely been attributed to the growing popularity of online downloads, as well as ongoing activity from illegal downloaders.

However, it is hoped that the creation of an online database, which has been supported by the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), will help to stem the sector’s decline. Kim Bayley, Director of the ERA, told the BBC:

“What we're hoping to do is support those that are still in the market.

“It's hard to tell whether it's going to stem the tide, but I think, to be honest, we've seen most of the fallout in the sector and the stores which are left are probably the best of the best.”