Woolworths unveils chart for ringtones
Woolworths is to create a top ten chart for mobile phone ringtones in an attempt to encourage younger consumers to shop for music at the retailer this Christmas.
This is first time a major chart listing has been created for the nascent ringtones market. Woolworths hopes the chart will help it dominate the lucrative market for mobile entertainment in the UK.
The Ringtones Chart will run alongside the retailer’s in-store top ten singles music chart so that customers can buy the song for their phone at the same time as the record.
Woolworths has appointed mobile phone delivery company Eposs to run the service in its 826 stores. Customers will be able to order the ringtones for £3 each.
An industry insider says that Woolworths is trying to gain an edge over rivals such as Asda and Tesco. Woolworths head buyer for telecoms Rob Cooke says: “Woolworths is again innovating in the market and cementing our lead in this sector.”
Woolworths has pursued a strategy to target the youth-dominated singles market despite fierce competition from other retailers. Last month, Woolworths announced it would sponsor ITV’s coverage of the pop-dominated National Music Awards 2003. The retailer also sponsors Capital Radio’s Hit 40 UK chart show.
