Luminate, the music industry's leading data provider, has dramatically reversed its earlier report on US vinyl sales in 2024. Initially reporting a 33.3% decline, they now state sales are actually up 6.2% year-over-year.

The confusion stems from Luminate's recent methodology change in tracking physical media sales. The company stopped including data from independent retailers, which accounts for over 1,500 stores across the United States. This significant change makes year-over-year comparisons challenging and potentially inaccurate.

Key points about the situation:

• Independent retailers are protesting Luminate's data collection changes
• Many stores have stopped providing sales data to Luminate
• The company now receives data from only 33 accounts (70 storefronts) instead of the previous 140 storefronts
• Alternative tracking systems are being developed by industry organizations

The Vinyl Alliance confirms that vinyl sales are actually growing, not declining. They state that sales through Q3 2024 show a 6.2% increase when using Luminate's readjusted model.

This data discrepancy has broader implications for the music industry, particularly affecting independent artists and labels whose sales may not be properly represented in industry statistics.

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