DP World’s Bicester warehouse – Britain’s largest physical music distributor – is preparing to handle record volumes this ‘Record Store Day’ as demand for vinyl continues to surge across the UK.
Record Store Day – the music industry’s standout annual retail event – is expected to see more than 210,000 vinyl records shipped from Bicester, with over 230 individual releases distributed to record stores nationwide on 18 April.
In 2025, DP World handled 8 million vinyl records, a new annual high and an increase of more than one million units year-on-year, bringing the total number shipped from Bicester to over 15 million since it opened in 2023.
In the final quarter of 2025 alone, more than 7 million records, CDs and other music formats passed through the warehouse, including nearly 3 million vinyl records as customers sought out the format’s listening experience and collectability.
Across all music formats, the 270,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art site distributed more than 21 million units last year, highlighting the scale of operations underpinning the UK’s music retail supply chain.
Angela Howard, Vice President Contract Logistics, North Europe, DP World said: “Record Store Day is a moment for the music industry to celebrate the record shops we serve and the enduring popularity of vinyl and physical formats. At DP World’s Bicester operation, our team brings real passion and pride to supporting this moment, working alongside more than 80 autonomous picking robots to ensure hundreds of releases reach stores nationwide on time.”
“This commitment goes beyond logistics – we’re proud to play a role in supporting artists and independent retailers, while contributing to the industry’s long-term growth. By continuing to invest in our people, technology, and partnerships, we aim to help sustain the vibrant future of music, connecting fans with everything from globally renowned acts to cult favourites.”
Kim Bayley, Chief Executive, ERA, the digital entertainment and retail association, said: “Record Store Day is the single, most important day in the calendar for independent record shops in the UK and is bigger than Christmas, so it is fundamental to all UK retailers getting the physical products in their stores. Thanks to the Bicester operations, DP World has managed to re-invigorate the physical redistribution process such that retailers are able to service their customers creating the foundation for future growth.”
