Digital music sales are a booming business for the music industry, much to music publishers’ dismay. The problem from a publisher's standpoint is that digital tracks don’t offer much profit whereas physical sales do.

Despite the groans of the music industry, digital download services are very much how consumers want to buy music today. To meet the needs of these customers, Wal-Mart announced that it is re-launching an enhanced MP3 download store.

Wal-Mart first announced it would offer tracks as DRM-free MP3 files in August of 2007. The new music store is offering a bigger selection of MP3 tracks form all of the major record labels. CNN Money reports that Wal-Mart now has over three million MP3 tracks available on its digital music store.

Wal-Mart will also be offering shoppers who buy CDs in the store a free digital download of their choice. Other new features include Top 25 tracks starting at $0.74 per track compared to standard pricing of $0.94. Wal-Mart will also offer a track of the week free from new artists and established players as well.

The retail giant will also offer exclusive Soundcheck content and performances from groups like Nickelback. Files sold on the store also promise improved compatibility with support for Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems. The music store is also accessible via Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Music and artwork now sync directly to media players like iTunes and Windows Media Player.

Wal-Mart music buyer Tom Welch told CNN Money, "Music is an important part of our customers’ lives and our new MP3 store provides a platform to further enhance our music offering and grow with our customers’ evolving needs. As customers consume music through multiple formats such as MP3s, CDs, DVDs and video games, Wal-Mart is uniquely positioned to offer them a deep catalog of music in the format of their choice complemented by an expanded assortment of merchandise at great values."