HMV was a stalwart on the British high street back in the day. If you weren't spending your weekends browsing the latest releases, gazing at posters of your idols, and sifting through the random music-related merch on sale, what were you even doing?
After the company announced that it would be reopening its flagship store in Oxford Street, London, people were left scratching their heads about what the acronym actually stood for.
On July 20, 1921, HMV was opened by British composer Sir Edward Elgar - but the store initially traded under its full name, which many people just do not remember.
Many people were unaware that HMV, which we know and love, actually stands for 'His Master's Voice'.
According to HMV's website, the name came from a painting of a dog, Nipper, who was listening to a large wind-up gramophone painted by the English artist Francis Barraud A.R.A and called 'His Master's Voice'.
The painting was purchased by The Gramophone Company, and they made it their logo by 1900.
A couple of years later, the company decided to rename the store to the arguably catchier title, HMV.
The world-famous site, located at 363 Oxford Street, was described as "buzzing with life" and was a hub for all things music industry.
But in 2019, the store closed after becoming unprofitable amid rising business rates and dwindling footfall.
But the flagship site is back, with a plan to try and fend off the competition from cheaper online retailers and streaming services.
The company say they've got an 'evolved retail concept', ready to stock pop culture merchandise, vinyl, film, TV, and music technology - which is good news for the high street.
HMV plans to bring the new format, called HMV Shop, to 24 new stores and 14 existing sites by the end of the year.
HMV says: "Challenges remain, of course, but as there are music lovers, film lovers, and those who love to share those passions with others, and as long as HMV can continue to provide a space for people to enjoy those experiences, we think the future looks – and sounds – pretty good."
The current owner of HMV, Douglas Putman, described the reopening as "an exciting new era for HMV."
Do you have good memories of HMV? Let us know in the comments.
