HMV closing Oxford Street store again after three years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 12:00 · Archive

HMV is shutting its flagship Oxford Street store in March 2027, three years after reopening it, citing doubled rent demands.

HMV has announced it will shut its Oxford Street store in March 2027, three years after reopening the historic site in November 2023. The closure will affect more than 50 staff. HMV says landlords have proposed doubling the rent on the site at 363 Oxford Street and the chain faces a substantial renovation bill. Together, these costs make the shop commercially unsustainable, the retailer said.

Phil Halliday, managing director of HMV, said it was frustrating that the store had become unviable. 'This is a special store, it's where we began 100 years ago and bringing it back to life in 2023 was a big moment in our recent history,' he said. 'We are looking ahead, and our focus is now on what we do to make exciting steps for HMV in 2027.'

HMV said it would transfer affected workers to its two other London stores and head office. The chain is hunting for a new flagship site in London's West End. HMV currently operates 113 stores across the UK, including six Fopp-branded sites, and eight stores in Europe.

How it is being reported

• HMV to close Oxford Street store after three yearsHMV says it is looking for a new site in London's West End, but its current site is "unviable".BBC London · 12 Oct, 11:36
• HMV closing Oxford Street store yet again but hunt is underway for new London flagship siteHMV still has 113 stores across the UK and more than 50 Oxford Street employees will be moved to two other London stores and head office while a new site is foundMyLondon · 12 Oct, 10:15

In this story: HMV · Oxford Street · Phil Halliday · London · West End

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