QBD books is getting into the groove
Image: Image: Pixabay
In what can be dubbed an harmonious blend of literature and music, Australia’s leading book retailer, QBD Books, is taking a significant step into the world of music. Teaming up with the global powerhouse, Sony Music, the beloved bookstore chain will now feature vinyl records in 31 of its national stores before broadening its scope across all stores nationally – a strategic move that reflects the brand’s evolving identity in the retail sector.
The exciting venture was detailed by QBD Books’ CEO, Nicholas Croydon, who remarked:
“We took over QBD Books in 2016, and in that time have grown from 55 stores to now 87. The Broadway shopping centre store is our 87th, and proudly our largest yet at 500m2. In Australia, in the last 10 years, over 1000 book shops have closed”.
He went on to elaborate on the shared interests of the QBD clientele, stating:
“The catalyst to this was the closure of SANITY Music… I reached out to some friends in the UK who said that vinyl was going from strength to strength… And so I met with SONY music and they were more than happy to have QBD Books showcase their products”.
For vinyl enthusiasts, this partnership is set to elevate their shopping experience. Croydon divulged their promotional plans: “We’re rolling out the vinyl in these 31 stores – and like all things, it will evolve. Expect to see in-store signage, display cases dedicated to the vinyl collection, enticing competitions, and a digital marketing push through EDMs and Google ads.”
However, it’s not just about diversifying product offerings. QBD Books is committed to supporting local talent. Croydon passionately commented on their intentions for Australian musicians.
“It will be great for Australian artists. We already focus on promoting Australian authors; we’ve got some great ideas on how to do similar promoting of Australian musicians.”
This move is a continuation of QBD’s diversified approach, resonating with a wide-ranging audience. As Croydon rightly points out:
“We house a prominent Manga section, have a dedicated space for Young Adult readers, and are, as of 2020, stockists for Australian Geographic products. Whether you’re 6 or 86, we have something tailored for you.”
The gravity of this partnership extends beyond the shelves of QBD Books or the tracks on a vinyl record. It speaks to the transformative power of melding different artistic forms. In an era where each artistic medium often exists in individual bubbles, such collaborations breathe fresh life into the art world, fostering inter-disciplinary appreciation. By placing vinyl records alongside books, QBD Books and Sony Music aren’t just merging two industries; they’re creating an arts hub with huge potential.
This new direction bolsters the societal impact of music and literature by breathing transformational life into a brand new direction for QBD Books. As QBD Books makes this foray into music, it’s not just an expansion of their retail offering but a broader vision of creating holistic, enriching spaces for their customers.
