Chief executive HMV Group

No sectors have been transformed by the web more than those served by HMV and Waterstone’s. So online has to be a key part of HMV’s strategy. And Fox is leading on this, relaunching HMV Digital this year in a bid to become an ‘entertainment superbrand’.

Some say the retailer reacted too late to the online opportunity, but with its revamped offering it now has aspirations to go after iTunes. Snapping up digital media delivery company 7digital last year showed Fox’s ambitions to transform HMV into a truly multichannel retailer.

Sister chain Waterstone’s has made inroads into the ebook sector, revealing a 73% surge in ebook sales in the 19 weeks to September 4, with one million sold. Waterstone’s also launched its first app for the iPhone and iPod Touch in September, letting users browse and place orders via Waterstones.com, as well as find stores, read reviews and pre-order titles.

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