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Music distributor and retailer Unearthed Sounds announces closure
By Chris Cooke | Published on Monday 10 July 2023
Dorset-based dance music-centric distributor and online retailer Unearthed Sounds last week announced it will cease operations at the end of the month, citing COVID, Brexit and the cost of living crisis as key factors that have made the business unviable.
In an email to clients, the company wrote: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of Unearthed Sounds as of 31 Jul 2023. This isn’t a decision we have made lightly, but after many months of internal discussions, planning meetings and external consultations, we have reached the conclusion that there is no way that this business can continue in the present financial climate”.
Outlining the various challenges faced by the business, the email then ran through some of the specific issues created by both COVID and Brexit.
On the latter, it said: “Whilst avoiding turning this statement into a monologue about Brexit, I think anybody reading this will realise how it must have impacted a business that imports the vast majority of its stock from Europe, and also has many end users there”.
The last straw, the email went on, was the cost of living crisis. “When the cost of living rises, individuals have less disposable income available for non-essential purchases like vinyl”, it stated. “Retailers and distributors alike face challenges in convincing consumers that the value and experience of physical media justify the price. Unfortunately as shops feel the pinch so do we”.
Elsewhere, the memo to clients said: “Please understand, it is important to note that we have not been placed into receivership, this is a voluntary decision and the business will operate as normal until the end of the month. All stock that is owned by you will be available to collect or to be sent to you”.
The email also listed other companies that its clients could utilise to access the various services previously provided by Unearthed Sounds. Meanwhile, when it comes to digital distribution, which was run by Jonathan Wilson in partnership with a third party, that will be unaffected by the closure of the main Unearthed Sounds company.
The email concluded: “It’s important to recognise that these challenges are not unique to Unearthed Sounds but have affected various players in the music industry, and indeed the business community as a whole. Despite the closure of Unearthed Sounds, we hope the music community continues to evolve and find ways to connect artists, labels and music enjoyers. We will miss you all, it’s been a hell of a ride”.
