HMV, the beloved chain-store that collapsed into administration in 2018, has returned to a UK city with a new branch in Chelmsford, Essex. The store opened at The Meadows Shopping Centre on June 26, marking the retailer's continued expansion under Canadian billionaire Doug Putnam.
New Store Details
The Chelmsford branch occupies a 3,930 sq ft space previously used by Next. It stocks over 20,000 products, including 3,000 vinyl records, 7,500 CDs, 5,500 film and TV boxsets, and 3,000 collectables. The merchandise features Star Wars items, KPop Demon Hunters products, and over 200 T-shirt designs, according to The Sun.
Phil Halliday, Managing Director at HMV and Fopp, said: "The search for a new home is over, and we couldn't be happier to bring HMV back to Chelmsford. The shop looks brilliant and is a testament to all the hard work the team have put into it over the past few weeks."
History and Revival
HMV first opened in July 1921 on Oxford Street, London, almost 100 years before its 2018 administration. The retailer was rescued by Doug Putnam, a vinyl enthusiast and billionaire, after its second collapse in six years. Since then, Putnam has overseen expansion across the UK, with stores in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The company also operates in Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands under the Sunrise Records brand.
The iconic HMV logo, featuring a dog named Nipper listening to a gramophone, was introduced by classical composer Sir Edward Elgar at the first store. The brand became one of the most recognisable in music retail.
