Music… Still A Great Present With A Future
By: Jim Donio - President of NARM
(National Association of Recording Merchandisers)
Some 30 years after NARM and the industry mounted the iconic marketing campaign designed to boost sales, devoted fans around the world still love to “Give the Gift of Music” to friends and family for special occasions and holidays. In fact, I’d say that music is the best present…with a future…compared with many other forms of entertainment and regardless of the format or delivery method. Just think of how many times over a span of days, weeks, months, and years someone enjoys music they love, and may have received or chosen as a gift.
In its recent holiday retail outlook, The NPD Group noted that 30% of consumers surveyed said they plan to spend less this season due to the ongoing economic uncertainties. But the findings also indicated a return to more traditional gift items, including music. Specifically, there was positive movement in music’s ranking among the Top 10 items, up from 8th to 7th, with the intent to purchase going from 20% to 21%. Hey, we’ll take it.
While there have been numerous attempts for the industry to restart and/or refreshthe campaign in a bigger and better way, the other big “R”…reinvest…seems to have consistently brought the best laid plans to a grinding halt. Maybe in the current DIY climate it’s as simple as a few grassroots initiatives starting up, gaining traction and perhaps reinvigorating a more mainstream campaign. In just the past few weeks, I’ve received calls and e-mails from companies asking to use the messaging and logo in advertising, marketing and promotions for the upcoming holiday selling season. There are slew of great releases in the offing and many unique and deluxe offerings poised to hit the marketplace.
Give it some thought!
– By Jim Donio, NARM President (donio@narm.com)Article used by kind permission
What is NARM?
The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is a not-for-profit trade association that since 1958 has served the music and entertainment content delivery community in a variety of areas including networking, advocacy, information, education and promotion.
Our general members consists of music wholesalers and retailers, including brick-and-mortar, online and mobile music delivery companies. Our associate members consist of distributors, record labels, multimedia suppliers, technology companies, and suppliers of related products and services. Individual professionals and educators in the field of music are also members.
In today’s evolving marketplace, we are welcoming new members that represent the technology and services that are shaping the future of the industry. Our newest members represent mobile and telecom companies, along with new content providers and digital companies who all contribute to our growing community of members.
Our retail members operate thousands of physical, digital and mobile storefronts that account for an estimated 90% of the music sold in the $8 billion U.S. music market.
For more information about NARM, please visit their website at: www.narm.com
Related Links
Interview with Jim Donio - 04/13/07Interview with Thomas Dolby at NARM Convention - 2007
Interview with Terisa Griffin at NARM Convention - 05/01/07
Interview with Jim Donio - 04/17/09
Interview with Jim Donio - 02/10/10