HMV to shut its flagship shop in London’s Oxford Street

In somewhat depressing news, music retailer HMV has announced that it will close its flagship London shop, 363 Oxford Street, in March next year.

This branch has a terrible on-off history. After the original era, it closed in 2000, only to reopen again back in 2013. It survived for six years before being closed in 2019!

The entertainment giant then returned to 363 Oxford Street (in the old days, when there was two HMVs in the same street, this was always referred to as the ‘Bond Street’ HMV) as recently as April 2023 so by the time it shuts, the tenancy will have lasted only four further years.

HMV are blaming the landlords, claiming they are trying to double the rent. Although why they wouldn’t have put some provision in the contract, only three years ago, for a viable long term rent agreement, is a bit of a mystery.

363 Oxford Street is only one of two HMVs in London (the other being at Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush). The company has promised to maintain a “significant presence” in the capital.