Guest Malcolm-
"What have CD Sales got to do with traditional folk music? or should i not ask?"

Well CDs have been a medium that permitted singers and instrumentalists to be heard in areas in which they don't perform. And a major function of a retailer is to point out unfamiliar music to potential customers.
I stronlt suspect that, but for a few dedicated nuts like CAMSCO, much traditional folk music would be largely unavailable to the public.