Qobuz and Rough Trade announce global music partnership

Qobuz and Rough Trade have announced a global music partnership that makes Qobuz the official streaming service of Rough Trade stores worldwide through 2028. The company news matters because it connects a hi-res streaming platform with an independent record-store retailer across physical retail, online sales and event programming.

The initial term is two years. Qobuz is to be integrated into Rough Trade’s in-store experience, with official materials naming Rough Trade locations in the US, UK and Germany.

The companies plan to co-produce live in-store events and programming at Rough Trade locations. Music from the Qobuz download store is also planned to be available through Rough Trade’s retail website, extending the partnership beyond streaming into digital retail.

Rough Trade customers are slated to receive special streaming deals and other offers. Qobuz subscribers and employees will be able to access discounts at Rough Trade stores, while the rollout is tied to Rough Trade’s 50th anniversary.

Rough Trade’s post describes Qobuz as offering more than 100 million lossless tracks, including CD quality, Hi-Res up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DXD and DSD. Pricing and the detailed schedule for events, in-store activations and offer terms have not been published in the verified material.

Sources

- Rough Trade Blog - Qobuz and Rough Trade Launch Global Music Partnership
- What Hi-Fi? - Hi-res streaming hits record stores as Rough Trade and Qobuz announce global partnership
- Music Week - Qobuz launches global streaming partnership with indie retailer Rough Trade
- Consequence - Qobuz Named Rough Trade's Official Streaming Service Partner