HMV is to reopen its genuine flagship retailer after a four-year absence.
The music retailer shut the central London retailer in 2019 after collapsing into administration sooner than a rescue takeover by Canadian Doug Putman’s Dawn Information.
The company said the return to 363 Oxford Avenue, the place HMV opened its first retailer in 1921, was the “newest signal of a dramatic turnaround” after bouncing once more to income closing yr.
The site has been run as an American sweet retailer as a result of the closure.
The retailer will attribute the company’s new emblem and a revamped format.
Within the face of declining demand for CDs and DVDs, the company has shifted its focus to merchandise, vinyl, music know-how, equal to headphones, and reside music and signings in retailers.
HMV said it will probably ship the format, often known as HMV Store, to 24 new web sites and 14 current retailers by the tip of the yr.
Mr Putman said: “The growth of our fan-focused popular culture supply is actually working for us and the reopening of our flagship represents the end result of few years of arduous work.
“We’re moreover opening retailers in Europe this yr, so whereas it’s the fruits of 1 part of labor, additional excitingly we see it as a result of the launch pad for an thrilling new interval for HMV.”
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Westminster Metropolis Council’s cabinet member for planning and monetary development, said: “It’s unbelievable to see this iconic model again on Oxford Avenue, the place it stood as a driver of music and popular culture within the capital for therefore lengthy.
“It’s moreover considerably pleasing it’s altering certainly one of many many US candy retailers which sprang up in the middle of the pandemic.”
It comes days after the boss of Marks & Spencer described the landmark buying street as a “nationwide embarrassment”.
M&S chief authorities, Stuart Machin, said in a letter to the Night Normal: “The excessive road which is supposed to be the jewel in London’s crown in the present day is a nationwide embarrassment, with a proliferation of cheesy sweet shops, delinquent behaviour and footfall remaining within the doldrums, 11% down on pre-pandemic ranges.”
