HMV opens first tech store

HMV has opened its first dedicated consumer technology store in London as the music retailer forges ahead with its push on electronic devices and accessories.

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HMV tech, which has opened in the City of London’s One New Change shopping centre today (14 November), will sell consumer technology products including Apple iPads and iPods, headphones and speakerdocks as well as a small selection of CDs, DVD/Blu-ray and games.

The opening of the 1,200 sq ft store, previously occupied by book retailer Foyles, comes just a month after HMV expanded its personal technology offer in all its 250 stores with about a quarter of its retail space now dedicated to electronic devices and accessories.

The changes are part of a strategy to shift focus from the declining physical music and DVD retail market. The retailer has seen sales drop off in recent years. The company reported an 11% drop in like-for-like sales for the 12 months to April.

HMV says the St Paul’s store, which is on a short-term let, would be used as a trial and if successful, further standalone stores would be rolled out.

The retailer adds that it was likely that there could be at least one further tech store in London before Christmas.

Ewan Pinder, head of technology at HMV says: “HMV’s remit has always been to give its customers the widest-possible access to music, film and games, however they want to discover and enjoy them.

“So our move into personal technology products, including through this new-style store, is actually a very natural next step for us that supports our continuing transformation into a broad-based entertainment brand.”

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