CDS and vinyl sales rise during shutdown

An independent record store has reported significant growth in CD and vinyl sales over the past two months, suggesting more people are embracing listening to music in lockdown.

Assai Records has two record shops in Dundee and Edinburgh which have had to close during the pandemic.

But it sells the majority of its products online via Amazon marketplace, with owner Keith Ingram reporting an increase in online sales, especially in Scotland, since lockdown began in March.

Assai has managed to continue trading around the world despite the challenges facing the retail industry, even before Covid-19.

Mr Ingram said: “Around 70 per cent of our customers are online. We ship a lot of our stock to Europe, as well as the United States. However, we’ve noticed a significant increase in Scottish customers. A big reason for the spike is the fact that many of us have much more time at home to enjoy music.

“I’m a firm believer that music can bring huge benefits for mental health and can be a source of companionship for those who are more isolated.”

Q AFrom 11 August, all schools will reopen, according to Nicola Sturgeon. She said pupils will return to a “blended model of part-time in-school and part-time at-home learning”. Teachers and other school staff will return during June to prepare classrooms for the new term. During June and over the summer, an increased number of children will have access to critical childcare and the Scottish Government will provide “transition support for children going into P1 or moving from P7 to secondary school.

Will we be able to go on holiday this summer?

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