It’s been a fascinating year at Glitter Records. I’ve witnessed a noticeable shift in the music-buying habits of my customers. Over the last 12 months, demand for CDs has surged. When I opened the shop two years ago, I had around 100 CDs in my online inventory. Now, I have over 11,000—quite a leap. Our CD customer base is diverse, including kids who grew up with them and adults rediscovering them.
Rediscovering the CD: A Personal Story
One conversation I had recently perfectly encapsulates the current moment in the CD resurgence. A customer came into Glitter Records who was in his late 40s or early 50s, Gen X. He was a long-time music collector deeply involved in CDs in the ’90s, and like many, he was swept up in the vinyl revival. He’s made some high-end vinyl purchases, including a $200 Infected Mushroom record. But lately, he’s been getting back into CDs. He told me that he’d been making some good finds in local thrift stores.
Interestingly, his renewed interest in CDs grew after spending more time with vinyl. He explained that vinyl had made him appreciate the sound quality that CDs offer, especially when it comes to skips. For example, he agreed mint condition records were incredible. He recently played a perfect-condition vinyl record for his mother, and she had a hard time distinguishing it from a CD. However, several other records he bought from Discogs, even from well-regarded sellers, had tiny skips in key tracks. These small imperfections took away from his enjoyment of the albums. With CDs, he noted, it’s simpler. They either play, or they don’t. Most of the time, they offer a flawless listening experience.
The Practical Appeal of CDs
I think more people are starting to appreciate this. While vinyl has that romantic appeal—the larger-than-life artwork, the tactile experience, and the ritual of setting up a turntable—CDs are proving to have a different, yet equally valuable, appeal. They are compact, portable, and incredibly easy to listen to, whether you’re on the go or just relaxing at home. Vinyl requires setup and a dedicated listening space, CDs are more versatile. You can listen to them in bed or on the couch. Pop them in your portable player anywhere. In today’s busy world, this convenience is a big draw for many collectors.
Price Difference: Why CDs Are Winning
Another factor driving the CD revival is the price difference between CDs and vinyl. This year, I’ve noticed more customers eyeing the price tags on vinyl records. More often than not, they find CDs to be the better value. Take Massive Attack’s Mezzanine, for instance. The 1998 Australian CD version is priced around $6 at Glitter Records, while the first-pressing vinyl starts at $200. A reissue vinyl is priced at around $105. Vinyl prices have steadily increased over the past decade, but CDs are still in the early stages of their own resurgence.
For those familiar with the concept of mean reversion, it’s clear that CDs—which once cost around $30 in the ’90s—could follow a similar trajectory to vinyl in terms of price appreciation. I’ve had many customers in the last two years tell me they regret selling off their records for a dollar each back in the early ’90s when vinyl prices were at rock-bottom levels. I believe we will soon see the same thing happen with CDs.
A Shift in Sentiment: Final Thoughts On The CD Revival
As I reflect on the past year, it’s exciting to see this CD revival taking shape. Sentiment around music formats shifts quickly, and CDs are carving out their own niche once again. There’s no denying the nostalgia factor, but there’s also a growing appreciation for their practicality and sound quality. It’s an interesting time to be a record store owner, and I’m eager to see where this CD renaissance will take us in the coming year.
Key Takeaways on The CD Revival:
- The Rise of CDs: We’ve seen a surge in demand for CDs at Glitter Records, with a growing customer base that includes both new collectors and those rediscovering the format.
- The Practicality Factor: While vinyl continues to have its own romantic appeal, CDs are favoured for their portability and reliability, offering a practical listening experience.
- Price Matters: Many customers are noticing the price difference between CDs and vinyl, and are increasingly choosing CDs for their value.
- A Future of Growth: While CDs may never see the astronomical price increases that vinyl has, they are still poised for a price recovery—and their value is already on the rise.
