HMV has returned to its former home of 363 Oxford Street following a four-year absence, showcasing a range of vinyl, pop culture merchandise, DVDs, CDs and a purpose-built floor for live performances.

The HMV shop spans 10,500 sq ft over three floors and will offer a range of 35,000 products as well as becoming a “community hub for fans”.

Customers will be able to browse a collection of 8,000 different vinyls as well as 12,000 different CDs and music technology items.

More than 4,000 products across franchises such as Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel and DC will be available along with more than 750 different T-shirt designs.

The launch will kick off with an appearance from ska band Madness, who will meet fans and go behind the tills as part of the opening weekend.

Singer Baby Queen and indie rock bands The Reytons and Hard-Fi will also appear, while singer Rachel Chinouriri will perform a live acoustic set.

More live performances have been planned over the coming months at the new store, including Miles Kane on November 30, Billy Bragg on December 8, Shed Seven on January 7 and Bananarama with an in-store signing on March 8.

The first 500 customers to make a purchase on opening day will receive a free pop culture swag bag full of Kenji or Funko products. 

HMV owner and chief executive Doug Putman said: “I want our stores to be at the heart of a community of music and film fans and a place where they can not only satisfy their passion, but can also meet each other and discover new artists as well as see some of the biggest names in the business perform.

“363 Oxford Street is a homecoming for the brand and a clear statement about the strength of HMV, of London as a shopping destination and the state of music in the UK, so I can’t wait to welcome the fans through our doors.”

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, added: “HMV is returning to its historic home on Oxford Street. I am excited to welcome the store back to where it stood for more than 90 years, replacing one of the largest American candy stores, which has temporarily occupied the space.

“Its return, along with numerous other brands, is testimony that the buzz is back on the nation’s most-loved high street.

“A string of other high street names will soon benefit from the planned upgrade of Oxford Street, which starts next year.

“The new HMV store represents exactly what we want Oxford Street to be all about – an experience beyond traditional retail.”

Topics