Columbia House Shuts Down After 71 Years

In the U.S., Columbia House was a music and movie marketing giant that captured the attention and wallets of millions who were enticed by a membership that got you music for pennies (at first).

On Sept 15, 2026 the business will shut down for good. If you’re interested in their history, business model, and how they survived for so long, I share a long-form article and a YouTube video.

1 Like

There was a similar style book buying set up in the UK probably 1975-80 , get cheap up front and keep buying . It was advertised on the back page of the Sunday colour supplements (newspaper still being B&W)

Got me hooked on Stephen King the first free book was Firestarter (that dates it 1980)

1 Like