As retailers, it is imperative to stay on trend. Always having relevant products on the shelves to keep shoppers interested and coming back. In the age of digital, lots of vintage products are making a resurgence, particularly in the music space.

The resurgence of vintage musical products among teenagers and 20 somethings can be attributed to nostalgia of a time that appears slower and more comfortable to them. They are living in a fast-paced, digital world that can convey lots of feelings that are far from comfortable.

Two of the items that have made a resurgence are vinyl records and compact discs (CDs). Music is widely available digitally, but making a purchase online lacks the personal experience. Digging through a stack of records, discussing which album is better with friends or the store’s staff bring a whole new layer to the experience. Shopping in person allows the consumer to use multiple senses, making the purchase of a new album that is much more rewarding.

Although CDs were replaced by MP3s, there has always been a loyal CD base around the world. CDs are widely available, even though a CD player may be harder to find. Dedicated fans have pushed companies to keep investing in technology, allowing CDs to emit excellent sound quality.

Vinyl records seem even less likely to make a resurgence and yet, teenagers through millennials, are investing in records and record players. Even more than a CD, records bring in multiple senses. Many artists create an entire package for the consumer. The purchase of a record might include a book of lyrics or a poster of the artist. The new technology has also allowed for records to be a statement piece. The traditional black vinyl has been replaced by vibrant colors and designs, allowing the consumer to learn more about the artist and see the vinyl as a work of art in multiple ways.

Vinyl albums also encourage listening in a different way. A digital download can be seen as independent songs, while listening to a vinyl is often from beginning to end. This gives the listeners a different appreciation for the music and the album as a whole.

A record player is also a statement piece in a home. It shows visitors that the occupant is serious about music. Records themselves take up space, giving the same impression. Records and record players can be conversation pieces, allowing guests to learn more about the person, strike up new conversations and get away from the digital world.

Now that these items are widely available again, why is it that consumers feel drawn to them? Young consumers are romanticizing about the past. These comfortable and familiar items evoke a calm and familiar feeling during uncertain and fast-paced times. The craftsmanship needed to create these items has become an important quality in a hands-on purchase – something digital cannot provide.