#1 Music Store

An interesting contradiction to my research shows that even though DRM may be on it's way out; the number one music store in is America is Apple iTunes (according to recent NPD numbers) which is known for it's strong DRM content. Eventhough, iTunes does offer DRM-free audio tracks, that number is small in comparison to the DRM tracks it offers. Apple became the number one music retailer earlier this year, surpassing Wal-Mart.



The top five music stores selling either CDs or digital tracks are as follows:



1. iTunes

2. Wal-Mart (Walmart, Walmart.com, Walmart Music Downloads)

3. Best Buy (Best Buy, Bestbuy.com, Best Buy Digital Music Store)

4. Amazon (Amazon.com, AmazonMP3.com)

5. Target (Target and Target.com)



Amazon MP3 service moved in to 4th place led by increasing sales from it's fairly new AmazonMP3.com and little decrease in the sales of physical audio discs online. As longs as Mass Market fans can get the music they want, there are less concerned with whether or not it has DRM protection. That is until they decide to change music devices and providers and find out that their music collection is not easily transferable. The DRM battle rages on.