Former Virgin chief to start online music shopping guide

Clickmusic, backed by Richard Branson’s former right-hand man Robert Devereaux, and financier Becky Lancashire, is launching into the crowded music-themed Website market this week.

The site (www.clickmusic.co.uk) will feature a comparative shopping area, allowing surfers to identify the cheapest CDs from a range of retailers.

The site, which will compete with shopguide.co.uk’s BargainFinder service, has already signed up WH Smith and HMV and it expects to sign up more retail partners in the next few weeks.

Clickmusic managing director Becky Lancashire says: “Unlike many other popular music sites which have exclusive tie-ins with particular retailers, we are aiming to give online buyers the best range of pricing.

“We accept this arrangement means we will take a lower percentage on sales generated through the site than available with exclusive deals,” she adds, “but we want to generate trust and loyalty among users. We are expecting the bulk of revenues to come from advertising and sponsorship deals.”

Sony, Adidas, Levi’s and Egg are among key advertisers being targeted by the site, although no deals have been confirmed.