Billboard.biz
Four out of five independent music store customers cite a recommendation of a friend as being an important factor in a purchase, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Independent Music Stores. The online survey queried 1,067 consumers from AIMS stores around the country about the spending habits, concert-going frequency and relationship with the stores. Seeing a live performance was also cited by 80% of those surveyed. Only 39% cited radio as being important in their purchase decisions while newspapers and television were cited by 16% and 15%, respectively.