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Four years after the closure of its iconic store on Oxford Street, in the heart of London, the British music retailer HMV celebrated a triumphant reopening at the same location this Friday, sparking hopes for a revival of this declining commercial street.
Since the bankruptcy of the record distributor, which opened its first store on Oxford Street in 1921, the premises have been replaced by a candy shop, much to the dismay of Londoners and music fans. However, on Friday, the British group’s logo — a dog listening to the voice of its deceased master from a gramophone, hence the name His Master’s Voice (HMV) — was reinstated at 363 Oxford Street.
The store’s inauguration was highlighted by the presence of the British band Madness, renowned for their 1980s ska hits, and HMV owner Doug Putman, accompanied by his dog Ollie, reminiscent of the iconic logo. Putman described the event as a “great moment” and underscored the “positive direction of things.”
The new HMV store aims to reflect evolution in its business concept. It will offer a space dedicated to performances and signings, along with a wide range of pop culture merchandise. Geoff Barraclough, a member of the Westminster City Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the reopening, considering it an experience beyond traditional retail and a step toward revitalizing Oxford Street.
This reopening of the emblematic store is part of the city’s musical history. In 1962, Brian Epstein brought a demo tape of The Beatles to the store, catching the attention of EMI producers and propelling the band to fame.
However, HMV faced significant financial difficulties, worsened by the competition from online music. Their bankruptcy was declared for the second time at the end of 2018, following a first in 2013. Canadian businessman Doug Putman acquired HMV but had to close 27 outlets, including the flagship store in London.
Four years later, HMV has returned to profitability and announced its “by popular demand” comeback on Oxford Street before the Christmas holidays.
For many Britons like Dave Jacobs, a 60-year-old scaffolding installer, this return evokes nostalgic memories. He also welcomes the decline of candy stores, which he believes gave Oxford Street a “vulgar” aspect.
In recent years, London’s main shopping street has undergone major transformations, with the closure of large stores and the emergence of souvenir and confectionery shops during the COVID-19 pandemic. These less prestigious businesses have also been criticized for dubious business practices and unpaid commercial taxes.
Tourists like Brandy Fonds, a 51-year-old visitor from the United States, lament the loss of the capital’s typical character and the presence of trash in the streets.
However, for Geoff Barraclough, the reopening of HMV marks a turning point for Oxford Street, symbolizing a return of vitality to one of the country’s most beloved shopping streets. The upcoming opening of an Ikea store, the first in central London, is also eagerly anticipated for next year.
With AFP
