HMV eyes return to Oxford Street as it celebrates 100th birthday

Owner Doug Putman says he's still keen on a big West End store, as the music chain plans up to 10 new outlets across the UK

HMV has not been able to agree a deal with the landlord of its former flagship, but could still open up a store nearby (Photo by Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

July 20, 2021 6:15 am(Updated 10:27 am)

HMV is eyeing a return to Oxford Street, but is unlikely to move back into its former flagship store, its Canadian owner has said.

Speaking to i as the brand celebrates its 100th birthday this week, Doug Putman said he had been in discussions for years with the landlord of the iconic store, which was HMV’s first site when it opened in 1921.

“I love it,” he said. “But we’ve never managed to get [an agreement] over the line.”

The store was one of 27 which closed down in 2019 after Mr Putman, an entrepreneur and owner of Canadian chain Sunrise, struck a rescue deal for HMV following its collapse into administration.

Despite struggling to get back into the original premises, Mr Putman said he was still keen to open a large London store, as part of HMV’s centenary year plans which will see it as many as 10 more locations in the UK.

The new flagship could even be a neighbour of the old one, as Mr Putnam noted there were “a bunch of vacancies” on Oxford Street, and said he liked the location.

Recent departures from London’s famous shopping street have included Debenhams, Gap, and brands that were part of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia such as TopShop.

Meanwhile HMV is today opening a new store in Solihull as part of a week of celebrations for its 100th birthday.

Other events include a 700-person Ed Sheeran gig at the HMV Empire in Coventry on 25 August, while the shops and website will be offering special editions of a selection of vinyl records.

Mr Putman reiterated the chain’s commitment to the British high street, but said the UK Government could do more to support retailers by reforming business rates.

“It’s really special and not every country has it,” he said. “I still love it I still think there’s a place for it. The biggest thing is what the Government does with business rates. It’s just that simple.”

He also expressed confidence in the future of entertainment retail, saying that the shift away from CDs and DVDs had been offset by demand for merchandise such as T-shirts and board games, as well as the resurgence in vinyl.

Pledging that the retailer intends to continue trading for a further 100 years, Mr Putman said: “Now my job is to really find ways to keep it going far after I’m gone.”