HMV is an iconic British entertainment retailer of physical media, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, vinyl, books, toys and other pop-culture merchandise.
HMV stands for His Master’s Voice and the first store was opened by the Gramophone Company on London’s Oxford Street in 1921.
The retailer has struggled to keep pace with the digital era as consumers increasingly shift towards streaming services, and in 2018 HMV tumbled into administration for the second time in six years.
It was rescued in 2019 by Canadian tycoon Doug Putman, who owns record store chain Sunrise Records and HMV Canada. He plans to focus on vinyl as part of HMV UK’s regeneration efforts.
Despite losing its prime Oxford Street location, the business is not shying away from innovation: a new flagship store called The Vault opened in Birmingham, focusing on vinyl and a live music space. Revamping the website to show stock visibility is also in the pipeline.
HMV also owned bookstore Waterstones from 1998 until 2001 and took over a number of former Zavvi stores in 2009. The retailer still owns indie store Fopp, which has also been taken over by Putman, but only a handful of Fopp shops remain open.
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly mulling a bid to buy The Body Shop out of administration after its collapse in February just weeks after being taken over by Aurelius.
From soaps on sushi belts at Lush Glasgow to in-house tea rooms at Uniqlo, Covent Garden here some of the most exciting stores that opened up in 2023.
HMV has returned to its former home of 363 Oxford Street following a four-year absence, showcasing a range of vinyl, pop culture merchandise, DVDs, CDs and a purpose-built floor for live performances.
HMV will be returning to its original home on Oxford Street next week, opening its doors on Friday, November 24.
Plans to overhaul Oxford Street with pocket parks, wider pavements and better crossings have been made official.
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