MCV recently reported on the ongoing trend that has seen indie retailers sourcing all their stock from websites and supermarkets – this needs to be addressed, and not simply dismissed as ‘the way it is’. Ask any former independent record store owner about what happens when big business fails to support the little guy.

Publishers and suppliers may threaten action over importing, street date breaking and even piracy, but perhaps these threats should be replaced with greater respect for the independents – maybe that way indies will no longer feel the need to play dirty in order to survive.