In a dramatic reversal of fortune that will delight music lovers across the nation, the iconic HMV brand is staging a spectacular high street comeback. After facing near-collapse just two years ago, the beloved entertainment retailer is set to reopen 24 stores throughout the UK, breathing new life into town centres and restoring a crucial hub for physical music and pop culture enthusiasts.
The Phoenix Rises: HMV's Remarkable Recovery
The turnaround represents nothing short of a retail resurrection story. When Canadian music entrepreneur Doug Putman acquired the business in 2019, many had written HMV's obituary. However, against all odds, the brand has not only survived but is now expanding significantly, proving that physical media and community-focused retail still have a vital place in Britain's shopping landscape.
What to Expect from the New HMV Stores
The returning stores will feature an enhanced retail experience that builds on HMV's successful new format:
- Extensive vinyl collections catering to both new releases and classic albums
- Pop culture merchandise including Funko Pops, clothing and collectibles
- Live music events and artist signings to foster community engagement
- 4K Blu-rays, DVDs and entertainment technology
- Gaming merchandise and accessories for the growing gaming community
Complete List of Confirmed HMV Store Openings
The ambitious expansion will see stores return to several key locations that previously lost their HMV presence:
England Locations
- Birmingham Bullring
- Manchester Trafford Centre
- Liverpool One
- Leeds White Rose
- Milton Keynes
- Sheffield Meadowhall
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Nottingham
- Bristol
- Southampton
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Cardiff
- Glasgow Braehead
- Edinburgh Ocean Terminal
- Belfast
Why This Comeback Matters for UK Retail
HMV's resurgence represents more than just another store opening—it signals a potential turning point for British high streets. The successful pivot to a broader entertainment offering demonstrates how traditional retailers can adapt to changing consumer habits while maintaining their core identity.
The return of these stores is expected to create hundreds of jobs and drive footfall to struggling town centres, providing a much-needed boost to local economies across the country.
As physical music sales continue to show surprising resilience, particularly in the vinyl sector, HMV's expansion suggests that reports of the high street's death may have been greatly exaggerated. For millions of Britons who grew up browsing HMV's iconic aisles, this comeback represents not just a retail revival, but the return of a cherished cultural institution.
