When the Music Just Can’t Wait

Hoping to succeed with a delivery model that has been fraught with problems
elsewhere, music and entertainment retailers Virgin Megastores and Virginmega.com formed a partnership with
PDQuick (formerly Pink Dot) to provide
express home delivery of hot new music releases.

Virginmega.com said it will help fans avoid long lines by supplying PDQuick
with select new albums as they become available for the first time. PDQuick
customers can order these albums online or by phone, “with delivery in
approximately 30 minutes.”

There is a $2.99 delivery fee, however, and at launch the service is limited
to the Los Angeles area. PDQuick claims to be the largest express home
delivery retailer in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and says it is
“currently expanding into other regions, including key consumer markets on
the East Coast.”

Financial arrangements between the companies were not disclosed.

Starting with Madonna’s September 18 midnight release of her new “Music”
album, fans in the delivery area can “Skip the Trip” by logging on to
PDQuick.com or calling toll-free 1-888-PDQuick to have the new CD delivered
to their door.

“This partnership is part of our overall strategy to provide consumers with
every means possible to get the music and entertainment products they want,
when they want it,” said Dave Alder, general manager and senior vice
president, Virgin Megastore Online (U.S.) Inc.

The 13-year-old PDQuick firm specializes in delivery of groceries, meals and
convenience store products.

“Music and entertainment products constitute a logical extension of our
business, and Virgin Entertainment Group, highly regarded for its industry
innovation and marketing expertise, is the logical partner,” Dan
Frederickson, chief executive officer, PDQuick, said.

Other companies in the Internet-related fast-delivery business have seen more
than their share of problems. Kozmo.com, for instance, an e-commerce firm
that delivers movies, books and more to customers’ doorsteps within an hour,
has laid people off and decided to postpone its initial public offering, at
least until early next year.