Record retailers in Canada are encouraging labels to put more resources into releasing singles. Many labels around the world now see singles as a loss making marketing technique to encourage album sales, leading some to question the need of singles at all. But in Canada, where single releases have dwindled in recent times, HMV reckon album sales are suffering as a result and are now working with labels to reinvigorate the singles market.
"HMV is continuously exploring ways to make shopping for music fun and rewarding for our customers," HMV Canada President Chris Walker told reporters. "Providing music fans the opportunity to sample an album prior to its release is just one of the ways in which we can engage consumers and help boost the Canadian music industry."
"For most of us, our first-ever music purchase was a single," he continued. "There is a sense of nostalgia surrounding singles because we all remember our first one. The only difference today is that we're collecting CDs rather than 45s. And, of course, the fact that there are so many more tracks to choose from than in the past."
To this end HMV are giving 100 single releases, each selling for $3.99, maximum exposure in their Canadian stores.