HMV boss brands online rival Amazon 'very selfish business' as he calls for shake-up

The owner of music chain HMV has branded online rival Amazon “very selfish” as he called for a rates shake-up to boost the high street.

Doug Putman spoke out as HMV marks today’s 100th anniversary of opening its first store.

The Canadian entrepreneur has breathed life into the chain since buying it out of administration after it went bust in 2019.

He has unveiled plans to add up to 10 stores by the end of the year to its existing 100, and is on the hunt for a London flagship.

On Amazon, which thrived in lockdown as high street stores shut, he said: “It is a very selfish business.

“If you take people off the high street it is a sad place.”

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Amazon has become a global giant (AFP via Getty Images)

He accepted that “you are more inconvenienced by having to go to a store.”

However, he claimed people were becoming aware of the long-term benefits of backing our high streets.

“We want to keep opening stores,” Mr Putman told the Mirror.

“If the government does the right thing on rates and landlords are willing to work with us, it makes sense to open more.

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“If the Government doesn’t then it will be impossible.”

On business rates, he said: “We need to get something that levels the playing field (with online rivals).

“I want to encourage more people to open shops.”

He went on: “I believe the high street is really special.

“It is something that is very strong in this country.”

Doug Putman pleaded with the Government (PA)

Mr Putman said around 10% of its sales were from online before the pandemic.

“Could it get to 20% to 30%?,” he asked. “Possibly.

“Will it be 50% or 60%? No.”

Part of HMV’s aim to thrive when many on the high street are struggling to make visiting its stores an experience.

The chain has programme of live in-store events and signings.

And on August 25, Ed Sheeran will perform a special small gig at the HMV Empire, Coventry that will be free to 700 fans.

Mr Putman said: “This is a huge year for HMV, and we want to set up the business so that it’s still here in another 100 years’ time.”