Following news that HMV is to close a number of stores after a recent slump in sales, Steve contacted the chain to a
Clarifying their position, a spokesman for HMV said: “"We are talking about a relatively small number of stores, which in the main are likely to be located in large-city conurbations and trading in close proximity to each other -resulting in a degree of duplication in relation to local demand.
“However, while we are pleased to say that the majority of HMV stores around the country are unlikely to be affected, we will also have to review the future of some stores that may be potentially no longer viable given increasingly high rents and other associated running costs, although we are not yet in a position to say which these will be.
“This move in no way signals any intention to pull out of entertainment retail, which remains at the heart of our offer, and is ultimately aimed at safeguarding our core business as we continue our transformation into a broad-based entertainment brand that now also encompasses live music venues and festivals."
Steve commented: “While it is clearly too early to be certain, it does appear that the company is going to be cutting back in large areas where it has a number of stores that are, in effect, competing with each other.
“I have a certain fondness for HMV, going back to my hugely enjoyable time spent earning some extra money in one of their branches as a youngster. While I know that many of us increasingly shop online now, there really is nothing like just popping into a real shop and browsing through music, old and new.
“While I am glad the early sounds are encouraging for us here, I will be keeping myself in the loop on this, and will ensure that HMV know just how valued their presence here is by local residents.”
