Key Indie Rough Trade defies the downturn!

In somewhat brighter news, London based Independent music store Rough Trade reported a 7% year-on-year increase in retails sales in the three months to November 30 2008, despite the ongoing economic downturn.

The retailer, which operates two London stores alongside excellent mail-order services and Album Club operations represent indicative proof of continuing public appetite for physical formats despite much evidence to the contrary.

“There is certainly a re-emerging importance for exciting, face-to-face music retail in response to the lonesome world of finger-clicking retail,” Rough Trade Retail director Stephen Godfroy commented, speaking with industry trade paper Music Week.

As an example of its dedication to new music, Rough Trade specifically highlighted the success of its album of the year, Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago (4AD), which the company says it built up from the ground floor, supporting the album from the grassroots and generating thousands of sales.

Rough Trade also focused on experiential events aimed at engaging fans, such as an invite-only Bon Iver gig for Album Club members last May, a Fleet Foxes DJ set and regular Instores from established acts such as The Hold Steady alongside up and coming artists such as The Gaslight Anthem and Department of Eagles.

Have your say - Does the collapse of larger chain stores signal a new era for innovative, forward thinking indie stores that offer greater experiential value to customers? What is the best Indie store in your area? Is there potential scope for someone to launch a 'Fopp' style Indie chain in the current climate?