HMV has reopened its Oxford Street flagship store after a four-year absence, amid insistence the shopping street is back on track.
The vinyl and CD seller closed the London store in 2019 after it plunged into administration. HMV had struggled with competition from streaming services before the pandemic.
But the chain was saved by Doug Putman, the Canadian owner of Toys R Us, who tried to rescue retailer Wilko this summer.
Good to be back: HMV was saved by Doug Putman, the Canadian owner of Toys R Us, who tried to rescue retailer Wilko this summer
The Gramophone Company opened the first HMV store on the site in 1921. The three-floor store sells records and merchandise and has a performance space where musicians including Miles Kane and Bananarama are set to take to the stage.
Bosses were given a hand opening the store yesterday by band Madness and a Jack Russell Terrier called Olly, a tribute to the dog in its logo.
HMV believes its store can help the West End shake off negative press.
‘Oxford Street is beginning to feel a bit busier and a little bit more vibrant,’ HMV managing director Phil Halliday said.
