JB Hi-Fi Reassures Customers Over Physical Media Future

"We continue to support physical media in movies, music, and games across the majority of our network."
— JB Hi-Fi statement

A viral video has sparked concern that JB Hi-Fi is phasing out physical media—but the retailer has moved swiftly to clarify its position.

What Happened

A YouTuber claimed that a Victorian JB Hi-Fi store had cordoned off its 4K Blu-Ray section and displayed a notice stating CDs, vinyls, and DVDs were leaving the store. The footage quickly circulated online, raising alarm among physical media enthusiasts.

The Company's Response

JB Hi-Fi issued a statement confirming it supports physical media in over 150 stores. The company explained that while it sometimes rebalances store categories to introduce new ones—which may reduce space for physical media in certain locations—this does not signal a broader change in policy.

The notice in the specific store directed customers to nearby locations that still stock physical media. The store in question may be a JB Hi-Fi Home store, which typically does not carry physical media as part of its standard layout.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the dominance of streaming, physical media has seen a rebound in revenue, driven by vinyl. According to the IFPI, physical media revenue grew in 2024, with vinyl revenues increasing 13.7% and CDs growing 3.7%.

The incident underscores how quickly consumer anxiety can spread in an industry where digital formats are increasingly the norm—and how retailers must balance evolving floor plans with customer expectations.