NARM Calls For Fixed Release Dates

NARM has issued a strong call for common release dates across digital and physical retailers in an attempt to protect its core brick and mortar membership. But digital pre-releases and online promotions are now a core promo strategy and it’s doubtful they can reverse the trend.

"While recognizing the continuing shift in physical and digital album sales patterns, the Board of  Directors of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) reminds the industry that the accepted practice is for all album releases, regardless of format, to come to market  simultaneously  on Tuesday.

It is simply good for business that this practice is respected. If not, the Board feels we are opening the  door for chaos in the marketplace

as the significance of street date becomes meaningless and its
competitive benefits are lost. Over the past few months, there have
been instances where release dates  for physical and digital versions
of albums did not coincide, creating unnecessary and unwelcome
marketing obstacles, consumer confusion and, most importantly, missed
sales opportunities.

The NARM Board urges all parties to make extraordinary efforts to limit
or more tightly control any  copies issued before the actual release
date. In those isolated instances where an album’s digital release  is
advanced unexpectedly or unavoidably, retailers that are planning to
merchandise the physical product  should also be permitted to provide
it to their customers immediately without fear of reprisal

Artists, managers, labels, and distributors are urged to make every
effort to embrace, endorse and  execute release date parity. There is
no “competition for earliest availability” that will be of any benefit
to consumers. A singular street date will help stimulate competition on
what matters: price, selection,  quality, and service. The NARM Board
feels that strict adherence to this strategy will benefit all  segments
of the business, especially consumers."

– NARM JUNE 2008