In brief: Tower Records goes online

NEWS Tower Records has teamed up with EIS Music Net to develop a UK Web site. The in-house team that built Tower Records' US site has been brought over to develop a standalone UK version, which will launch in mid-November. EIS Music Net will provide the ordering and distribution back-up to ensure customers can order CDs online in any currency. Company spokesman, Pete Bassett said: "We hope eventually to combine our US, UK and Japanese retail sites." Bassett continued: "This will not jeopardise our real-world sales. Shopping in retail outlets is an experience in itself, especially for young people." Tower Records expects users to treat the site as an accessory, to find information on their favourite artists and to experiment with new ones. "The site is also aimed at older people who are not comfortable with shopping in music stores," added Bassett. The launch will be preceded by advertisements in magazines and in-store promotions. The financial investment involved was not disclosed.