The Resurgence of HMV: A Journey Back to its Roots
Every dog has his day, and today is the day for fox terrier Nipper as HMV returns to its spiritual home at 363 Oxford Street London. After a four-year absence, the iconic entertainment retailer is back, serenaded by a performance from veteran London band Madness. This marks the revival of the very first HMV store, which opened in 1921. Let's delve into the journey of HMV's resurgence and the exciting new era it promises for music lovers and pop-culture enthusiasts alike.
The Return to Oxford Street
HMV makes a triumphant comeback to its original flagship store
After a four-year absence, HMV has returned to its spiritual home at 363 Oxford Street in London. This iconic location, which housed the very first HMV store back in 1921, has been revitalized to become the largest entertainment outlet in London.
The reopening of the flagship store marks a significant milestone for HMV, as it aims to become a hub for entertainment in the capital. With over $1.25 million spent on the refurbishment, the store now offers an unparalleled range of music, film, merchandise, and technology products.
Visitors can expect not only a vast selection of products but also a dedicated performance space. The store's purpose-built performance floor will host live performances and signings from well-known artists, as well as provide a platform for local bands and artists through HMV's Live&Local program.
The Evolution of HMV
Adapting to the changing landscape of music sales
HMV has come a long way since its heyday as a music retail powerhouse. With the shift from physical to streaming music, the company faced significant challenges and had to reinvent itself as an entertainment specialist.
Under the ownership of Canadian entrepreneur Doug Putman, HMV has embraced a fan and community-oriented approach. This strategy has led to the expansion of the brand, with the reopening of stores in Dublin and mainland Europe.
Despite the dominance of digital music, HMV has seen a resurgence in physical media sales. In fact, CD sales have shown growth for the first time in over a decade, indicating a renewed interest in traditional music formats.
A Rich History of Music and Culture
HMV Oxford Street as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts
HMV Oxford Street has a storied history as a community hub for music fans. Over the years, it has hosted performances and signings from global artists, including The Weeknd, Kylie Minogue, The Spice Girls, and Blur.
One of the most iconic moments in HMV's history was the rooftop gig by Blur in 1995, during the height of Brit Pop and Cool Britannia. These events have cemented the store's reputation as a go-to destination for music enthusiasts.
The newly reopened flagship store aims to continue this tradition by offering a wide range of music merchandise, vinyl albums, and music technology products. It will also provide a platform for local bands and artists to showcase their talent.
The Vision for the Future
HMV's plans for growth and expansion
With the successful reopening of the Oxford Street flagship store, HMV is poised for an exciting new era. The company plans to continue growing its portfolio, both in the UK and Europe, with a focus on offering a unique and immersive entertainment experience.
HMV's owner, Doug Putman, envisions the brand as a mainstay on the UK high street, catering to the diverse interests of music and pop-culture enthusiasts. The return to its roots on Oxford Street is just the beginning of HMV's journey to reclaim its position as a leading entertainment retailer.
