France-based independent music streaming and download platform Qobuz and UK-headquartered indie music retailer Rough Trade have announced a global partnership. Timed to Rough Trade’s 50th anniversary, the two-year deal makes Qobuz the Official Streaming Service of the retailer’s seven worldwide stores (five in the UK, one each in New York City and Berlin).
The partnership will see Qobuz integrated into both Rough Trade’s physical stores and retail website. Rough Trade customers will receive special offers and deals on Qobuz, while Qobuz subscribers will get access to Rough Trade discounts. The collaboration also promises in-store events, performances, and other programming inside Rough Trade’s brick-and-mortar locations.
Said Rough Trade co-founder Stephen Godfroy in a press statement, “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, there couldn’t be a more fitting partnership than expanding our artist-focused community into high-quality digital streaming with Qobuz — a likeminded independent platform that connects audiences and artists through deep curation, and champions emerging talent as passionately as established voices.”
