Page 28 - December 2021 / January 2022

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Iconic entertainment retailer hmv has celebrated its 100th birthday this

year, and they remain committed to discovering amazing new music, films
and games every single day. Here, RLI spends some time with Phil Halliday,
Managing Director of hmv and Fopp to learn the secrets behind the longevity of
the brand and what the next steps are.

The brand was invented to share top tips and finds with their guests as the company allows visitors to discover new bands, artists, album
and tracks, read about the latest films, stay up-to-date on entertainment news and watch exclusive interviews with the people behind the
music, film and games they love.
The first hmv store opened its doors on Oxford Street in 1921 and today there are 110 stores across the UK with more in the pipeline.
When discussing the market conditions given the impact of Covid-19, Phil Halliday, Managing Director of hmv and Fopp, explains that it
is no secret that the pandemic was a challenge for all retailers deemed non-essential, but it made them more determined to celebrate their
100th birthday for the major achievement that it is.
During the pandemic they have made huge strides in improving their website, and they are more of a bricks-and-clicks model than they
have ever been previously. Covid-19 also
made them want to recapture the magic
of going into a store and discovering
new music. Finally, they have introduced
more vinyl, a market that continues to
grow and expanded their range of pop
culture products.
“We are very lucky to have such
passionate, loyal and knowledgeable staff
that love working at hmv and have been
fundamental in dealing with the challenges
that we as a retailer have had to get
through. We also entered the pandemic
debt-free and in a really robust place as
a business, so throughout the period of
closures we were able to fully focus on
what was needed to support the stores
when we were allowed to open the store
estate back up.”
The latest store openings for the brand
include sites in Oxford, Eastbourne and
Newbury, with several relocations taking
place to larger premises, including its
Liverpool site. Another major new store

28 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022