ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
Leesburg native Phillip Phillips' first album is number 3 on the iTunes chart.
Sales continue to skyrocket a little more than a week after the release.
Small business Saturday was last weekend. That day, shopping locally was encouraged. But to shop for local musicians, you don't necessarily have to go to a local store. Many customers are finding what they need at the mall.
"Had a lady in here a few minutes ago that bought a copy and said 'well, there's one Christmas present taken care of'," said Tim Eddins, FYE Store Manager.
He's talking about the latest release from Phillip Phillips, The World From the Side of the Moon. Phillips is the hometown boy who's done well.
"Everybody's looking to support him," said Eddins.
It's not just that he's from South Georgia. After all, you don't reach the top five of the sales charts by selling only to South Georgians. There's something else too. Eddins says that part of the appeal is the sound.
That sound is part of the soundtrack of South Georgia.
Another big star from the area is Luke Bryan, and his sales are up as well.
"We've got have all of his CD's in stock. We've been selling his stuff as well," said Eddins.
Overall, this is the big time of the year for stores such as this one.
"Christmas is always great for CDs and DVD's. Our sales always go up this time of the year," said Eddins.
While the success of both artists is not surprising to people in our area, seeing the phenomenal sales is a neat concept for everyone, including for those who are doing the selling.
At this pace, it seems only a matter of time before the next musical prodigy is unearthed in South Georgia.
According to Billboard, "The World From The Side of the Moon" sold 169,000 copies in its first week, that made it number four on the charts for the week.
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