UK music store HMV returns to Central London iconic store it had left owing to American candy stores

The iconic British music store HMV marked its return to its original flagship location on London’s Oxford Street last week. The store, situated at 363 Oxford Street, held the inaugural HMV establishment in 1921, inaugurated by composer Edward Elgar, playing a pivotal role in shaping British popular music and culture.

The Oxford Street site’s recent history includes its transformation into an American candy store after HMV’s closure in 2019. These candy stores, part of a trend during the pandemic when only essential food shops remained open, have faced criticism from local authorities for questionable business practices and substantial unpaid business taxes, reaching up to millions of pounds, according to AFP. The reopening, officiated by the pop band Madness last Friday, follows HMV’s departure in 2019 when Canadian music entrepreneur Doug Putman rescued the bankrupt firm, closing 27 key locations but preserving 100 stores. The store, previously vacant or housing American candy offerings, now boasts an extensive collection of 8,000 vinyl albums, 12,000 CDs, music merchandise, and various music technologies. Additionally, it features over 4,000 products from popular franchises like Pokemon, Star Wars, Marvel, and DC, along with a selection of more than 750 T-shirt designs. The store aims to create a vibrant shopping experience and will include a purpose-built performance floor for hosting live performances by both major and local artists. With inpus from agencies