Asda targets music sector with CD range
Asda is planning to launch cheap own-label compact discs in yet another assault on established industry players.
The supermarket chain has been briefing music companies with lists of tracks that meet the tastes of its target market, say sources.
Asda is offering a range of own-branded compilation albums, covering areas such as rock music or Sixties music at budget prices of about 6.99. The supermarket already sells nearly 2,000 music titles in about 90 per cent of its stores.
An Asda spokesman says: “This is a recent development. The titles are produced exclusively for Asda. We are not trying to be specialists catering for esoteric tastes. We are aiming the albums at Asda shoppers.”
According to a report from retail consultants Verdict, released this week, supermarkets are stealing market share from multiples such as Woolworths, WH Smith and John Menzies on sales of fast-moving chart titles sold at highly competitive prices.