Album sales in the UK during the first half of 2012 have fallen dramatically when compared to the same period last year, new figures released today (July 3rd) by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) show.
A decline to the tune of nearly 7 million has been reported by the BPI, with sales of 43.6 million albums during the first portion of 2012, compared with figures of 50.5 million in 2011, of which Adele‘s massive hit ‘21‘ accounted for a large proportion.
Unsurprisingly, digital sales have risen again – this time by 17.3%, including a 6% rise in singles sales. “We’ve had another solid quarter of digital growth in sales volumes, both in albums and on singles,” BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor has said.
“Album unit sales are down quite significantly year-on-year. But it’s important to remember that these unit sales figures do not take into account the growing importance of music streaming and subscription services.”