HMV Embarks on a New Chapter as It Expands into Books
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Loading... - Belle Rolland
- 19 Nov 2024
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HMV, the iconic British retailer known primarily for its music and entertainment offerings, is embarking on an exciting new chapter by expanding into the sale of books. This strategic move marks the company’s first significant foray into literature as a standalone offering within its retail space, aiming to attract a broader audience and enhance the shopping experience for its customers.
At the heart of this expansion is the newly launched hmv 363 Bookshop, located in the flagship store on Oxford Street, London. This dedicated space occupies an entire floor and features a live events stage, creating a vibrant atmosphere for book enthusiasts. The bookshop showcases a carefully curated selection of both current bestsellers and classic literature, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Among the titles available are popular works such as A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, Holly by Stephen King, and Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer, alongside timeless classics like A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess and 1984 by George Orwell.
The store’s design encourages exploration, with a staircase leading down to what has been described as a treasure trove of literary gems. This innovative approach not only enhances the shopping experience but also aligns with HMV’s commitment to fostering a community-oriented environment.
The flagship store at 363 Oxford Street holds historical significance, having hosted the very first HMV store back in 1921. Over the decades, it has become a beloved community hub for music fans and a prominent retail destination in the UK. Since its reopening in 2023, the store has pioneered the new ‘HMV shop’ concept, which emphasizes a fan-centric and community-focused retail experience.
While the Oxford Street location is the first to trial the expanded book retailing concept, HMV has plans to explore further literary offerings across its portfolio of 121 stores in the UK, as well as its two locations in Belgium and another on Henry Street in Dublin, Ireland.
Doug Putman, the owner of HMV, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, stating, “While we have sold books online and have a selection of books available in-store, I’ve always wanted to expand the offering. The hmv 363 Bookshop space at our flagship will be unlike any other bookshop on the high street, remaining true to our unique HMV Shop concept which centres around fans and community.”
Putman emphasized the importance of creating a space where fans of popular culture can come together, meet, and explore their interests. “We want to give our communities of readers a new place to connect with each other and celebrate the stories and characters they love,” he added.
In addition to being HMV’s first dedicated literature space, the second floor of the Oxford Street store will also serve as a performance venue. It will host gigs from visiting artists, literature-based events, readings, fan meet-ups, and signings from internationally renowned authors and writers.
To celebrate the opening of the bookshop, the first 50 customers on opening day received a special HMV Bookshop goody bag with their first purchase, along with enticing in-store offers on books, including a promotion of “2 for £9.”
As the festive season approaches, Putman is optimistic about the potential for increased sales, noting, “There’s a real buzz about Oxford Street and physical retail more generally. However, we’re only going to keep that magic if we continue to innovate and give our shoppers reasons to come back to us.” He hopes that the introduction of the hmv 363 Bookshop will provide a compelling reason for customers to visit HMV on Oxford Street this Christmas.
In summary, HMV’s expansion into the world of books represents a significant evolution for the brand, blending its rich musical heritage with a new literary focus. This initiative not only aims to attract book lovers but also seeks to create a vibrant community space where fans of all kinds can gather, share their passions, and celebrate the joy of reading.
