Idolator

The Dangerfieldian profile of the brick-and-mortar music business is getting bigger, as Wal-Mart—the No. 1 music retailer in the US, as far as units sold—has decided to cut CD shelf space in about 500 of its stores next month, according to Kings Of A&R. Wal-Mart is planning to use the freed-up space to stock iPod accessories, because to consumers, a pink leather carrying case that's going to get scuffed and ripped in two weeks is worth a lot more than a silly song or two or thousand. While some may be surprised at Wal-Mart's move, given their position in the music-selling hierarchy, we're not too shocked; any company that places ads on file-sharing sites has to at least be somewhat aware of the way the music-acquisition experience is heading these days.

KOAR Industry News [Kings Of A & R]