HMV has announced that it will return to the 363 Oxford Street store, which it opened more than 90 years ago.
The site was the first HMV and was opened by Sir Edward Elgar in July 1921. The music and entertainment retailer occupied the site until 2000.
HMV, which was bought out of administration in April by restructuring firm Hilco, will replace the footwear chain Footlocker at the site when it reopens in early October. HMV chairman and Hilco boss Paul McGowan told Retail Week: “We are thrilled to be returning HMV to its original home at 363 Oxford Street and this reflects HMV’s renewed focus on going back to its roots and getting the basics right, providing the deepest range of entertainment products.”
According to reports, HMV’s other Oxford Street store could be sold to Sports Direct.
HMV has also hired former Vodafone executive James Coughlan to head its new online business, which will launch in October, Retail Week reports.
HMV collapsed into administration in January with £176 million of debt. It now operates 140 stores.