Why did CD Baby retire its retail store?

CD Baby retired its retail store on March 31, 2020 to focus on services that better support today’s independent musicians—like global distribution, monetization, and promotion.

The CD Baby store was revolutionary when launched over 20 years ago, giving independent artists direct access to fans. By 2009, store sales made up only 27% of weekly artist payouts. By 2019, that number dropped to less than 3%. Most artists were earning more through streaming and digital distribution, so CD Baby shifted focus to:

Where should I send fans to buy my CDs and vinyl?

Direct fans to wherever your physical products are available:

Amazon Marketplace
Your own website
Bandcamp
Social media platforms
EPKs (Electronic Press Kits)

Be sure to remove old CD Baby store links and replace them with updated purchase links.

Can fans still use Download Cards?

Yes, download cards are still valid. However, please note that the Download Portal will be retired in Spring 2026. For now, fans can redeem them through CD Baby’s Download Portal. They can also access previous purchases from the same portal.