Starbucks
says it will stop selling CDs next month at its stores, where they’ve been a staple since 1995.
Spokeswoman Maggie Jantzen said the company is “evolving the format” it uses to sell music, although it can’t share any specifics yet.
The company will continue its Pick of the Week program, which allows members of the Starbucks loyalty program to download an iTunes song for free.
Starbucks has had mixed results during its long dabbling with the music business. At one point, the coffee giant acquired the Hear Music retail chain and later launched its own label, which signed big names like Paul McCartney.
Starbucks gave up control of the label to its partner, Concord Records, as the company struggled with the 2008 recession.
Starbucks also patrons could burn their own CDs at some stores.
