In an online environment, from a single location, and in a standardized format, the NARM Distributor Database provides hundreds of entertainment retailing industry executives with critical information about entertainment product available from participating suppliers.Music and video distributors can reach more than 85% of the home entertainment retailing industry. For retailers, the Database offers one-stop shopping for comprehensive catalog information from more than 90% of the music supplier community, plus video information from major companies.Uploading or downloading data is an easy and efficient way to conduct business and save money. The savings on time and money through reduced labor, fewer errors, and more timely information can be dramatic.

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What Is Contained Within The Database?

Music, video and game distributors upload their information to the Distributor Database using a simple, standardized .txt file in the UPC425 file format.The NARM/EMA Operations Committee meets regularly to review the standards and update or add information fields as the industry requires. Both the music and video file formats are compatible with the international SA2 format, and both files have fields that allow for EAN/UPC#, catalog number, MSRP, artist, title, ratings and labeling information, genre code, release date, last return date, carton and unit size information, carton lot quantity and deals information, plus much, much more. A query tool lets users search by any of the supplied fields, making it easier for your customers to download and use your comprehensive catalog information. Some even use it throughout their corporate and instore systems.

Current Database Users

Almost all of the major home entertainment retailers and wholesalers now download catalog files from the Database on a continual basis.

Current major users include:

• All Media Guide
• Alliance Entertainment
• Amazon.Com
• EDGE Distribution
• Anderson Merchandisers
• Baker & Taylor
• Best Buy
• Borders
• Hastings
• Ingram Entertainment
• Newbury Comics
• Starbucks
• Target
• TransWorld Entertainment Corp.
• Virgin Entertainment Group

Seventeen distributors currently upload music and video catalog and/or deal information.

• Alternative Distribution Alliance
• E1 Entertainment Distribution
• EMI North America
• Harmonia Mundi
• Music Video Distributors
• Naxos Of America
• The Orchard
• Pat Boone’s Gold Label
• RED Distribution
• Redeye
• Sony Music Entertainment
• Super D Independent Distribution
• Tate Music Group
• TravelVideoStore.com
• TVT Distribution
• Universal Music Group Distribution
• WEA Corporation

SUPPLIERS, what are the benefits of uploading your catalog to the Database?

• One-stop shopping for customers.
• Ability to consistantly update information and keep customers current on product information and services.
• Easy-to-use, 24-hour access.
• Standardized file formats reduce the need to provide data in multiple formats for different customers.
• Fast upload time with ZIP files.
• FTP availability for automated uploads.
• “Improving Data Communications” manual with standardization instructions.
• Guidelines for barcode requirements.
• EDI guidelines provided.
• Friendly user support.
• Small annual fee.
• Compatible with international SA2 format.
• Weekly “New Release” e-mail to NARM database of over 2,000 retailers and media.

RETAILERS, how can you benefit from downloading your suppliers’ information from the Database?

• No charge for use.
• Tens of thousands of music and video SKUs from a single location.
• 24-hour access.
• Standardized file formats.
• Fast download time with ZIP files.
• FTP availability for automated downloads.
• Query tool for product searches.
• Friendly user support.
• Constant update of Information and services.
• EDI guidelines provided.
• “Improving Data Communications” manual with standardization instructions.
• Guidelines for barcode requirements.