Music retailer Look & Listen is set to re-launch its online digital music store in the last quarter of this year, just a few months after it pulled the plug on its online store in February.
Currently being developed by digital entertainment company Mondia Media, the online store will do away with e-commerce and only offer digital music downloads, says the company.
Mondia Media GM Karen Liebenberg says a re-launch of the digital store has always been in the pipeline, adding that the store's previous model - which offered both e-commerce services and music downloads - did not serve the company's purpose.
The new online portal has been repositioned to focus solely on digital downloads, she explains.
Liebenberg says the online store is in no way an answer to the great success of iTunes SA, as Look & Listen's portal will be more focused on mobile users.
"iTunes has been doing great, but caters to a more niche market. Very few people in SA have access to online services and credit cards, while the mobile market is booming. So that is where our focus will be."
Liebenberg says the Look & Listen online digital music store will also aim to bring more value to customers than just music downloads, such as offering opportunities for interaction between artists and their fans. "We are also leveraging partnerships with the likes of eBucks and Discovery Miles, so people can use those rewards to buy music."
While online music stores will always battle against the scourge of illegal downloading, Liebenberg believes local customers are willing to support the local music scene.
"The success of iTunes SA is evidence of that. The public understands illegal downloading of music means artists are not generating revenue for their work, and they are willing to support - in particular - local artists. Provided the pricing of the music is fair, music lovers will choose the legal option over a pirated site."
According to Liebenberg, pricing for the new digital store is not yet available, as label licences are still being finalised, but prices will be "very competitive".
"We are also looking at different models, like subscriptions, to offer great value for money to customers."
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