HMV
| File:HMV logo.svg Logo used by HMV | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (music and entertainment) |
| Founded | 1921 in London, United Kingdom |
| Founder | Gramophone Company |
| Fate | Acquired and restructured multiple times; currently owned by Hilco Capital and managed by Sunrise Records (except Japan) |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada (planned), Belgium (planned), Japan (owned by Lawson) |
| Products | Music, entertainment retail |
| Owner | Hilco Capital (brand ownership), Sunrise Records (management in most regions), Lawson (Japan) |
| Website | hmv |
Overview
HMV is a globally recognized retailer specializing in music and entertainment, with origins dating back to 1921. The brand is currently under the ownership of Hilco Capital and managed by Sunrise Records in most regions, except for Japan, where Lawson holds ownership and operational control.
The first HMV store was launched on London's Oxford Street by the Gramophone Company, which had previously introduced the iconic His Master's Voice trademark on its audio devices and established it as a record label from 1909. During the 1960s, HMV expanded throughout London, followed by nationwide growth in the 1970s. Its international footprint began to develop in the mid-1980s, culminating in the opening of its 100th store in the UK by 1997.
In 1998, the retail division separated from EMI, the Gramophone Company's successor, leading to the formation of HMV Group plc. The company acquired competitor Fopp in 2007, while simultaneously divesting its Japanese operations. After entering administration in 2013, HMV was acquired by Hilco Capital for approximately £50 million. A subsequent administration in 2019 saw Canadian retailer Sunrise Records acquire 100 of HMV’s 127 stores from Hilco, which retained ownership of the brand.
In May 2023, Sunrise Records declared plans for HMV’s re-entry into Ireland, followed by an announcement in November 2023 about expansion into Belgium. By February 2024, Sunrise revealed intentions to reintroduce HMV to Canada through a store-within-a-store model inside select Toys "R" Us outlets.
Origins
In 1898, Francis Barraud created the painting His Master's Voice, portraying his deceased dog, Nipper, attentively listening to a phonograph. The artwork, along with associated trademark rights, was sold in 1899 to the Gramophone Company, which used the image on its audio devices and subsequently launched the His Master's Voice record label in 1909.
The Gramophone Company established the first dedicated His Master's Voice retail outlet in 1921 at 363 Oxford Street, London, converting a former men's clothing store for this purpose. The opening ceremony featured renowned composer Edward Elgar. In March 1931, the Gramophone Company merged with the Columbia Graphophone Company to form Electric and Musical Industries Ltd (EMI), with the Gramophone Company becoming a division within EMI.
A devastating fire severely damaged the original HMV store in 1937; however, it was reconstructed and officially reopened on 8 May 1939 by Sir Thomas Beecham.
Expansion
HMV commenced significant retail growth in London beginning in 1966. Throughout the 1970s, the company doubled its footprint and within six years became the nation's foremost specialist music retailer. Despite facing substantial competition from Virgin Megastores, founded in 1976, and Our Price, established in 1972 with numerous UK high street locations, HMV eventually surpassed Our Price in market presence by developing a chain of larger and more modern stores.
In 1986, HMV inaugurated its flagship store at a new site on 150–154 Oxford Street, claiming it as the largest record shop worldwide at that time. The opening was attended by notable figures such as Bob Geldof and Michael Hutchence. The company's expansion persisted into the 1990s, reaching over 320 outlets, including its first United States location opened in 1990 at 86th and Lexington in New York City, which was then North America's largest music retailer. HMV marked its seventy-fifth anniversary in 1996.
In February 1998, EMI partnered with Advent International to create HMV Media Group under the leadership of Alan Giles. This joint venture acquired HMV's retail stores along with Dillons, reducing EMI's ownership stake to approximately 45%. Subsequently, the venture purchased the Waterstones bookshop chain to combine it with Dillons.
Flotation
By 2002, EMI held a 43% stake in HMV Media, while Advent International owned 40%, with the remaining shares held by management. Later that year, the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange as HMV Group plc, reducing EMI's interest to a nominal level.
HMV introduced a loyalty program named "purehmv" in August 2003, which was later discontinued and relaunched in 2008. This program rewarded customers with points for their purchases, which could be accumulated and exchanged for various incentives such as vouchers, collectibles, and autographed merchandise. The "purehmv" scheme has since been discontinued and is set to be replaced by a new loyalty initiative, though its launch date has not yet been disclosed.
Following a challenging trading period leading up to Christmas 2005, the group became vulnerable to acquisition attempts. On 7 February 2006, private equity firm Permira submitted a conditional bid valued at £762 million (equivalent to 190p per share), which HMV rejected, deeming the offer undervalued. Permira subsequently increased their offer; however, on 13 March 2006, HMV declined this second proposal as well, citing that it failed to reflect the company’s medium and long-term potential. Consequently, Permira withdrew from the bidding process.
Acquisitions
In 2006, HMV Group acquired the Ottakar's bookstore chain and integrated it into Waterstones. This acquisition aligned with HMV’s expansion strategy since many Ottakar's locations were situated in smaller towns. On 30 March 2006, the Competition Commission provisionally approved the takeover by Waterstones, concluding it would not significantly reduce competition. Subsequently, on 31 May 2006, Waterstones confirmed the successful acquisition of Ottakar's. By Christmas of that year, all 130 Ottakar's stores had been rebranded as Waterstones. In March 2007, newly appointed CEO Simon Fox announced plans to reduce Waterstones’ overall retail space by 10% over three years, primarily targeting overlapping locations resulting from the Ottakar's merger.
On 29 June 2007, entertainment retailer Fopp entered administration, leading to the closure of 81 stores and the loss of approximately 800 jobs. On 31 July, HMV acquired the Fopp brand along with six profitable stores, preserving around 70 positions.
HMV launched "Get Closer," a social networking platform allowing users to upload their personal music collections and compete with other digital music providers like Napster and the iTunes Store, on 1 September 2008. However, this service was terminated in September 2009.
Following the administration of rival retailer Zavvi, successor to Virgin Megastores, on 24 December 2008, HMV announced on 14 January 2009 its intention to acquire fourteen Zavvi outlets. By 18 February 2009, HMV had purchased an additional five Zavvi stores plus a former Zavvi location in Exeter's Princesshay shopping area; these were rebranded under the HMV banner. The Office of Fair Trading reviewed and approved these acquisitions in April 2009.
At the 2008 MCV Industry Excellence Awards, HMV earned the accolade of Entertainment Retailer of the Year.
In January 2009, HMV secured a 50% ownership in MAMA Group through a joint venture named Mean Fiddler Group. This partnership extended the HMV brand into live music venues such as the Hammersmith Apollo. Later that year, on 23 December, HMV completed a full acquisition of MAMA Group for £46 million.
In September 2009, HMV acquired a half stake in 7digital for £7.7 million as part of its digital content growth strategy. This partnership supported HMV’s music download platform and included plans to introduce an e-book service for Waterstones.
October 2009 saw HMV form a joint venture with Curzon Cinemas, aiming to introduce cinemas within HMV and Waterstones locations across England. The pilot cinema opened above an existing HMV store in Wimbledon, London—utilizing a former storage area converted into three screening rooms and a bar—with separate entrances allowing access outside regular store hours. Following positive feedback from this trial, plans were made to expand cinemas into other sites such as Cheltenham’s HMV and Waterstones in Piccadilly.
On 5 January 2011, HMV issued a profit warning indicating earnings would fall at the lower range of analyst expectations due to declining sales; this announcement caused a 20% drop in share price and included plans to close forty HMV stores alongside twenty Waterstones outlets—primarily those located in towns or cities with multiple branches. Store closures commenced at the end of January that year.
The disposal of Waterstones to A&NN Capital Fund Management for £53 million was finalized on 29 June 2011 following approval by an overwhelming majority of shareholders at an emergency general meeting.
In May 2012, HMV sold the Hammersmith Apollo venue to AEG Live and Eventim for £32 million. Later that year in December, it divested its remaining interest in MAMA Group—including its half stake in Mean Fiddler Group—to Lloyds Development Capital for £7.3 million.
Administration (2013)
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On 15 January 2013, the HMV Group appointed Deloitte as administrators under company law and halted trading of its shares,[1] placing approximately 4,350 UK employees at risk of losing their jobs.[1][2] Initially, gift vouchers were declared invalid because voucher holders were considered unsecured creditors owed money by the company,[3] but acceptance of these vouchers resumed from 22 January 2013.[4]
Debt restructuring firm Hilco UK acquired HMV’s liabilities from creditors including The Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group, signaling a possible takeover move.[5] The total debt purchased by Hilco was approximately £110 million,[6] with HMV owing roughly £20 million in taxes to HM Revenue and Customs at the time it entered administration.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
By the end of January 2013, reports indicated that around 190 redundancies had occurred across the head office and distribution centres.[7]
On 7 February 2013, Deloitte announced that they had earmarked 66 stores for closure,[8] although no specific timeline was provided; closures were anticipated within the following two months. The following day, Deloitte revealed further cuts involving an additional 60 redundancies at offices in London, Marlow, and Solihull, including the departure of CEO Trevor Moore.[9] On 20 February, Deloitte declared plans to shut another 37 outlets.[10] Subsequently, on 26 February, six stores were sold to supermarket chain Morrisons.[11]
On 28 February 2013, eight stores located in Hong Kong and Singapore were sold to AID Partners Capital Limited. This transaction separated these operations from the HMV Group owned by Hilco UK and granted AID Partners Capital Limited the rights to use the HMV brand across Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, and Singapore.[12]
By late March, Deloitte was working towards finalizing a deal to sell approximately 120 stores as an ongoing business.[13] Additionally, some stores previously slated for closure were spared after negotiations with landlords.[14]
Hilco ownership (2013–2019)
On 5 April 2013, Hilco UK revealed its acquisition of HMV, successfully rescuing the company from administration and preserving approximately 141 retail outlets along with around 2,500 jobs. This figure encompassed 25 stores that Deloitte had initially earmarked for closure during the administration phase. The purchase also included all nine Fopp stores under HMV’s ownership. The transaction was valued at an estimated £50 million.
Following Hilco UK’s takeover, reports emerged indicating plans to reduce staff numbers across various stores to achieve £7.8 million in wage savings. This restructuring involved cutting security personnel, cashiers, and supervisors, with managerial staff expected to assume additional responsibilities.
In October 2013, HMV introduced a music download platform (www.hmvdigital.com) powered by 7digital, featuring applications compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
The flagship store was relocated back to its original premises at 363 Oxford Street on 23 October 2013. Subsequently, the existing flagship location at 150–154 Oxford Street—which had been recognized as the world’s largest music retailer—closed its doors on 14 January 2014.
By the year 2014, HMV secured the position of the second-largest player in the UK entertainment market, trailing only behind Amazon. Financial statements filed with Companies House in September 2014 indicated that HMV had achieved a £17 million profit within the eleven months following its exit from administration. In January 2015, HMV surpassed Amazon to become the leading retailer of physical music products in the United Kingdom.
June 2015 saw the relaunch of HMV’s online store, offering a range of CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and vinyl records for purchase with home delivery options, including exclusive merchandise not available elsewhere.
Alongside this revamped e-commerce site, HMV also maintained its digital music download service.
Despite these developments, some previously stable locations—including York, Solihull, Portsmouth, and Belfast—were eventually closed.Template:WhenTemplate:Fix/category[citation needed]
Sunrise ownership (2019–present)
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On 28 December 2018, HMV announced it had entered administration once more. Hilco UK attributed this decision to the overwhelming pressure from retail competition. On 5 February 2019, Sunrise Records, a Canadian music retailer, declared it had purchased HMV Retail Ltd. from Hilco UK for an undisclosed sum. Prior to this acquisition, Sunrise had taken over leases for more than 70 HMV outlets across Canada following the receivership of HMV Canada, thereby expanding the Ontario-based company into a nationwide chain. Sunrise intended to preserve the HMV brand along with five Fopp stores but simultaneously shut down 27 branches, including the prominent Oxford Street location and other sites burdened by high rental expenses.
Founder Doug Putman expressed plans to enhance the chain’s focus on vinyl record sales as part of the recovery strategy. He noted that Sunrise’s success in capitalizing on the vinyl resurgence had significantly improved performance at Canadian stores after their transition from HMV ownership, with over 500,000 vinyl LPs sold in 2017 alone. Putman also emphasized that despite the rise of digital downloads and streaming services, claims about the physical music market’s decline are often overstated, particularly among specialist retailers. He pointed out that most losses stem from nontraditional outlets such as grocery stores and affirmed that HMV would continue operating for the foreseeable future.
The Financial Times reported on 25 February 2019 that the acquisition price paid by Sunrise was £883,000. Following further discussions with landlords, by late February HMV had reopened 13 outlets, including one Fopp store.
The Belfast location, which had reopened in March 2014 after a £1 million refurbishment, faced potential closure in February 2019. Nevertheless, an agreement with Frasers Group enabled the store to remain open.
In October 2019, Sunrise unveiled the HMV Vault on Dale End in Birmingham, promoted as Europe’s largest entertainment store. This flagship venue features tens of thousands of CDs, vinyl records, and various other products.
COVID-19 pandemic and centenary celebrations (2020–2021)
Between 22 March and 15 June 2020, then again from 5 November to 2 December 2020, and subsequently from 4 January to 12 April 2021 in England, all HMV stores were temporarily closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entering the new decade, HMV initiated the launch of new and relocated outlets, including in towns where branches had previously ceased operations, such as Solihull. Some of these new locations occupied retail spaces left vacant by the collapse of other chains, notably those from the Arcadia Group. For example, an HMV store opened in Dunfermline at premises formerly used by Burton Menswear and Dorothy Perkins. Additionally, HMV made a comeback to the Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath—once again taking over former Burton/Perkins units—nine years after their earlier closure there. In Wigan, the brand moved from a smaller shop to a larger site that had been vacated by Topshop/Topman.
In July 2021, HMV marked its centennial anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the company issued 37 limited-edition vinyl records. Alongside this, a special 100-track CD compilation titled Now That's What I Call HMV was released exclusively through HMV stores, their official website, and via eBay.
Throughout 2021, HMV began adopting a refreshed branding approach, introducing "The HMV Shop" as a slogan on storefronts and social media platforms. Despite this change, the traditional logo remained visible in most locations—including the flagship HMV Vault—and on their website.
In April 2023, it was announced that HMV planned to reopen a new-format store at its original flagship address on 363 Oxford Street after an absence of four years. During this interval, the premises had been temporarily occupied by "American candy" retailers along with other vacant units on the street. This reopening marks HMV's third tenure at this location following previous periods from 1921 to 2000 and from 2013 to 2019.
On 18 May 2023, Sunrise Records revealed that HMV would once again return to the Irish market with a new store on Dublin's Henry Street in a space formerly used by the company during its initial phase. This store officially opened on 30 June 2023.
On 21 July 2024, Phil Halliday, HMV’s managing director, announced a rise in consumer purchases of physical media formats such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs for films and television series commercially released.
Belgium (2023–present)
Sunrise Records revealed plans in November 2023 for HMV to extend its presence into Belgium. By March 2024, it was confirmed that HMV would inaugurate a second outlet within the Belgian market.
Canada (1986–2017, 2024–present)
In 1986, EMI Music Canada acquired the Mister Sound retail chain. Subsequently, EMI attempted to rebrand these stores under the His Master's Voice name; however, they were denied permission by RCA Records, which holds the "His Master's Voice" and Nipper trademarks in both the United States and Canada. Despite this restriction, EMI was permitted to use the abbreviated 'HMV' branding, which was occasionally promoted as "Hot Music Values" in radio and television advertising during the 1990s.
The flagship HMV Canada store opened in 1991 at 333 Yonge Street, Toronto. This location became a notable venue for in-store performances by artists such as Puff Daddy, D'Angelo, Green Day, Foxy Brown, Ramones, Guns N' Roses, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. A Red Hot Chili Peppers concert held there led to the closure of the intersection at Yonge and Edward Streets. Additionally, the store supported Toronto’s indie music community by dedicating prominent shelf space on its ground floor to unsigned local bands and hosting live events featuring Toronto-based artists.
HMV also operated a two-level retail space of approximately 20,000 square feet within West Edmonton Mall. This location featured the Phase IV Stage directly outside the store, which frequently hosted musical acts and autograph sessions for touring performers visiting Edmonton.
In June 2010, HMV Canada introduced purehmv, a loyalty program rewarding customers with discounts and exclusive merchandise across music, film, and gaming categories in exchange for points earned through in-store purchases. Within four months of launch, more than 300,000 customers enrolled in the program.
By June 2011, HMV divested its Canadian operations for £2 million to Hilco Capital, a UK-based firm specializing in retail turnarounds.
Toward the end of 2011, HMV Canada announced plans to close its Downtown Vancouver and Richmond Centre stores. By 2012, the retailer operated 113 locations nationwide—a decrease from 121 stores at the time of sale by HMV Group. Nevertheless, Hilco Capital expanded with new outlets like the one at Peter Pond Mall in Fort McMurray. During this period, Hilco reported successful restructuring efforts and no intention to discontinue Canadian operations. The company’s strategy emphasized expanding back-catalogue music and films unavailable through discount competitors while focusing on higher-margin products such as gifts, collectibles, apparel, and headphones; video games and tech hardware were phased out.
Entering 2017, HMV Canada faced $39 million in debt after consecutive losses since 2014. Hilco Capital indicated that ongoing financial challenges combined with declining sales rendered the business unsustainable. On 27 January 2017, HUK 10 Ltd., a shell company linked to Hilco employee Paul McGowan—also associated with HMV UK—initiated legal action against HMV Canada in Ontario Superior Court. The court ruled in favor of HUK 10 Ltd., prompting Hilco Capital to announce plans to shutter all Canadian HMV stores by 30 April 2017. Clearance sales were conducted across remaining outlets prior to closure. The flagship Yonge Street store ceased operations on 14 April 2017.
In February 2017, Sunrise Records—a retailer based in Ontario—acquired leases for 70 former HMV Canada locations with intentions to convert them into Sunrise Records stores. The company invited approximately 1,340 former HMV employees to apply for around 700 positions. Notably, several locations including the Yonge Street flagship were excluded from this agreement and remained unoccupied. Sunrise Records maintained its headquarters in Etobicoke.
On 5 February 2019, Sunrise Records announced its plan to purchase HMV UK out of administration from Hilco Capital for an undisclosed sum; discussions included potential revival of HMV Canada.
By February 2024, Toys "R" Us Canada—which shares ownership under Doug Putman alongside Sunrise Records—revealed initiatives to introduce HMV-branded store-within-a-store sections within its outlets featuring music products, home video titles, and pop-culture collectibles. Concurrently, HMV resumed online retail operations.
Ireland (1986–2013, 2013–2016, 2023–present)
HMV launched its initial store in Ireland in 1986, following the company's expansion into the Canadian market. The first location was situated on Grafton Street, quickly gaining popularity due to live performances by numerous prominent Irish artists. The retailer then grew its presence in Dublin by opening a second outlet on Henry Street, followed by further expansion into Cork in the late 1980s and subsequently into Limerick City during the 1990s. Throughout the early to mid-2000s, HMV continued to broaden its footprint with several stores across the Greater Dublin area and additional branches nationwide, including Galway and Newbridge.
On 5 February 2011, HMV Ireland revealed a significant decline in profits, reporting earnings of €465,000—a nearly 90% drop compared to €4.1 million from the previous year.
By 16 January 2013, HMV Ireland entered receivership, compelling the immediate closure of all its Irish stores under local legislation.
In April 2013, Hilco expressed intentions to revive HMV's presence in Ireland following the shutdown of all its outlets. Subsequently, on 9 June 2013, it was confirmed that Hilco Capital Ireland had acquired HMV Ireland and planned to reopen five stores within a six-week timeframe.
January 2016 saw HMV Ireland announce the closure of its Galway City and Grafton Street Dublin stores, with both ceasing operations by month-end. This development followed earlier closures of various Xtravision and HMV Xtravision locations around late December 2015 and early January 2016. By late January 2016, the remaining Xtravision business was fully liquidated.
In July 2016, Hilco declared plans to shutter the last five Irish HMV outlets to pivot towards launching a digital platform—HMV Digital—in Ireland. This service aimed to offer music and film streaming, rentals, and purchases online before extending to the UK and Canada markets. Despite these ambitions, HMV was unable to successfully introduce its digital offering in Ireland, leading to all physical stores closing between 29 and 30 August 2016.
In June 2023, announcements confirmed HMV's return to the Irish market with a new store opening in Dublin. Later, in May 2025, a new location commenced operations at Limerick Crescent Shopping Centre.124
Japan (1990–present)
EMI launched HMV Japan in 1990. Since the "His Master's Voice" trademark in Japan is held by JVC Kenwood Holdings through its subsidiaries JVC and Victor Entertainment, following the separation from RCA Records, HMV Japan employs a uniquely designed gramophone as its logo. Similar to the previous operations in the U.S. and Canada, HMV Japan's use of the "HMV" initials has never faced legal opposition.
In July 2007, DSM Investment Catorce acquired HMV Japan, which then operated 62 stores. Although the brand, outlets, and website continued under the HMV name, ownership shifted away from the HMV Group. This sale enabled HMV to concentrate on markets where it held a leading position. The first HMV store opened in Tokyo’s Shibuya district in 1990, and by that time, it attracted approximately 40 million visitors annually.
On 28 October 2010, Lawson, a major convenience store operator in Japan, purchased all shares of HMV Japan from Daiwa Securities SMBCPI for ¥1.8 billion. Subsequently, KK HMV Japan became a subsidiary of Lawson and was renamed KK Lawson HMV Entertainment (株式会社 ローソンHMVエンタテイメント) on 1 December of the same year. The details of this transaction were made public via official channels.
Lawson Entertainment operates various formats including "HMV & Books" at select locations, as well as "HMV Record Shop" and "HMV Museum." The official slogan for HMV Japan is "the music & movie master."
Australia (1989–2010)
HMV inaugurated its first Australian store in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, in 1989, followed closely by another outlet in Chatswood later that year. The following year saw the opening of its flagship store within Sydney’s central business district. This 1,207-square-metre superstore located in Pitt Street Mall was the largest music retailer in the Southern Hemisphere and led the nation in CD sales. It also earned the ARIA Charts Store of the Year award three times. By 1998, HMV had expanded to an additional 27 stores across major retail hubs on Australia’s eastern coast, including prominent locations such as Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall and Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall with a 585-square-metre shop.
In March 2000, Sanity—a larger competitor—secured a five-year agreement with Festival Mushroom Records granting it exclusive online rights to download tracks from that label for three years via its website. This arrangement effectively blocked other online retailers from accessing Festival Mushroom's catalogue unless Sanity consented to share. Competitors like Chaos.com and Leading Edge Music publicly threatened to boycott Festival Mushroom content; meanwhile, HMV Australia—whose site did not offer downloads—responded by removing all Festival Mushroom CDs from its stores domestically and announced plans to do so internationally. Within a week, Festival Mushroom revised its position: Sanity would serve as the wholesaler for digital downloads over three years but was required to make products available to other retailers simultaneously upon release.
In October 2005, Brazin Limited—the owner of Sanity—purchased HMV’s Australian operations for A$4 million (£1.7 million). Under this agreement with HMV Group, the HMV brand was scheduled for phase-out across Australia by 2010. This acquisition added 32 outlets to Brazin's portfolio, which already included 74 Virgin Megastore and Virgin At Myer shops, along with Sanity’s 215 stores and EzyDVD’s 63 locations nationwide (excluding non-entertainment chains like Bras N Things). Consequently, Brazin became Australia's dominant entertainment retailer with an estimated market share near 43%. However, many HMV outlets incurred substantial overhead costs due to their large sizes and premium locations; thus, most were gradually closed as leases expired. Remaining stores were rebranded as Sanity over a five-year period. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission approved this horizontal merger during the same month. Additionally, Brazin introduced its Pulse loyalty program in October after a year-long trial; customers earned one point per dollar spent across Brazin’s retail network and could redeem rewards such as $5 discount vouchers upon accumulating 100 points.
By December 2006, the number of HMV stores had decreased to 22 from the previous year’s peak of 32.
The flagship store on Pitt Street Mall closed at August's end in 2007 when Mid City Centre underwent renovations; similarly, the Bourke Street Mall location ceased operations on 19 February 2008. By mid-2010, Sanity shuttered the last remaining HMV outlet in Brisbane; finally, the last former HMV store operating under the Sanity brand closed at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in December 2012.
Currently, Hilco Capital holds ownership of the HMV trademark within Australia.
France (1990s)
During the 1990s, HMV made an effort to establish a presence in France but encountered intense rivalry from Fnac, Virgin Megastores, and large-scale hypermarkets. The limited number of trial stores in France operated for approximately six months before closing. The HMV brand in France is currently owned by Hilco Capital.
Germany (1990s–2000s)
By April 1998, HMV was conducting business in Germany under the name HMV Tonträger GmbH; however, the company ceased operations during the 2000s. Ownership of the HMV brand in Germany also belongs to Hilco Capital.
Hong Kong and Singapore (1990s–2010s)
HMV inaugurated its first retail outlet in Hong Kong in 1994 at Windsor House on 311 Gloucester Road. Subsequently, the company expanded its footprint into various shopping centers throughout the region. The flagship store in Tsim Sha Tsui, positioned at the intersection of Peking Road and Hankow Road, was recognized as the largest record retailer within Hong Kong.
In Singapore, HMV was the second international music retailer to open after Tower Records, which eventually shut down. HMV maintained a store at Marina Square and previously operated outlets at 313@Somerset (which replaced a former location at The Heeren) and CityLink underground mall. While HMV's prices were generally higher than those of independent retailers and local chains such as Gramophone and That CD Shop, it stood out as the sole retailer offering a diverse product range including games, T-shirts, books, audio equipment, alongside music and video titles.
During the 2000s, HMV Hong Kong collaborated with Commercial Radio Hong Kong, rebranding one radio channel as HMV864 and broadcasting it across all its stores in the city. Compared to independent record shops, HMV Hong Kong was noted for elevated pricing on non-discounted merchandise. It was also the second global market after the UK to introduce digital kiosks inside stores—and the first such implementation in Asia. Initially, HMV Hong Kong employed a stylized gramophone logo identical to that used by HMV Japan but later adopted the Nipper the Dog emblem associated with HMV UK, omitting the gramophone.
On 28 February 2013, Deloitte announced that AID Partners Capital Holdings, a private equity firm based in Hong Kong, had acquired HMV’s operations in both Hong Kong and Singapore along with rights to the brand name in China, Singapore, and Taiwan. The 313@Somerset outlet in Singapore closed in November 2013 following an earlier closure of the CityLink location.
By September 2015, HMV had shuttered its final retail location in Singapore.
On 21 March 2016, China 3D Digital Entertainment Limited took ownership of HMV’s Hong Kong business from AID Partners Capital Limited; this entity was subsequently renamed HMV Digital China Group Limited.
In December 2018, all remaining physical retail stores and an HMV-themed restaurant in Hong Kong ceased operations after a 25-year presence.
As of May 2023, ownership of the dormant "HMV" and "His Master's Voice" trademarks across Hong Kong, Singapore, and several other Asian markets is held by a company named HMV Brand Pte. Ltd.
Qatar (2015–2022)
In July 2015, HMV revealed a partnership agreement with Al Mana Lifestyle, a company based in Qatar, to establish fifteen retail outlets spanning Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Additional expansion intentions included markets such as Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Despite these ambitions, only a single HMV store was launched within Qatar’s Al Mirqab mall, which ultimately ceased operations in 2022. The Al Mana Lifestyle Trading firm retains ownership of the HMV brand rights specifically for Qatar and Oman, while Palm Green Capital Limited holds the rights for other Middle Eastern territories including the United Arab Emirates.
United States (1990s–2004)
During the 1990s, HMV extended its presence into the United States by opening multiple stores along the East Coast, notably featuring a flagship location in Manhattan. Unlike Canada, EMI lacked the rights to utilize the "His Master's Voice" trademark or the Nipper dog logo in the U.S., as these were owned by RCA. However, HMV was permitted to use the "HMV" initials independently within the American market.
Within the U.S., HMV contended with strong competitors such as Tower Records, FYE, and Virgin Megastores. Financial losses escalated over time, with deficits of £500,000 in 2003 and £1 million in 2004. Consequently, the final U.S. store shuttered on 3 November 2004.
Following this closure, HMV Canada maintained control over the now-defunct HMV trademark in the United States until its expiration in November 2015. Later on, in April 2021, Victor Musical Industries Inc. registered "HMV" as a trademark in the U.S. for retailing sound equipment.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedDeloitte UK - ↑ BBC News reported on 16 January 2013 that HMV had entered administration.
- ↑ The Guardian highlighted on 15 January 2013 concerns regarding the validity of HMV gift vouchers.
- ↑ BBC News confirmed on 21 January 2013 that HMV would honor gift vouchers again.
- ↑ The Guardian reported on 12 March 2013 about Hilco’s acquisition of HMV debt and potential control.
- ↑ The Guardian detailed on 15 March 2013 the scale of Hilco’s debt purchase.
- ↑ BBC News coverage on 31 January 2013 confirmed these job losses.
- ↑ Deloitte’s press release dated 7 February 2013 outlined planned shop closures.
- ↑ BBC News reported on 8 February 2013 about these executive and staff layoffs.
- ↑ BBC News update on 20 February 2013 confirmed further store closures.
- ↑ Retail Gazette reported on Morrisons’ acquisition of six HMV locations on 26 February 2013.
- ↑ Reuters reported this sale on 28 February 2013.
- ↑ The Daily Telegraph reported on Deloitte’s efforts to secure a deal for HMV stores on 23 March 2013.
- ↑ The Manchester Evening News covered a reprieve for Stockport’s HMV store on 27 March 2013.
External links
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