Six HMV stores saved from closure - full list staying…

Six HMV stores saved from closure - full list staying open and being axed

Six more HMV stores have been saved from closure after the chain's owner Sunrise Records managed to renegotiate rent costs, saving dozens of jobs.

Branches in Birmingham, Reading and more will remain on the high street in good news for workers and local shoppers.

Among those saved is the Grimsby branch - which shoppers described as heartbreaking earlier this year when closing down posters appeared on its windows.

One disappointed shopper wrote on Twitter: "My heart dropped when I saw the Closing sign, then realised they’re just moving, sad to see the store go by glad Plymouth will still have a HMV! #hmv."

The branch previously said it would shut its doors later this month with for sale signs on almost all of its products and 'store closing' signs in its windows - however, it's now been saved.

If rent negotiations collapse, the company will be forced to close certain branches (Grimsby Live/WS)

A HMV spokesperson said: "At this time, talks are ongoing with the landlords involved and are currently progressing in a positive direction.

"Thank you to the community for their ongoing support for us and we will let you know if anything changes."

HMV’s Birmingham store in the Bullring shopping centre was also due to pull down its shutters at the end of January - however it's now been saved.

In a statement on Thursday, the company said: "We are delighted to announce that we have been able to secure new agreements on 6 stores which were previously under threat of closure.

"This is great news for our staff and for our loyal customers in the communities, who can continue to look to HMV to provide the best entertainment offer on the high street and online."

The company was bought by Sunrise Records in February 2019 (Grimsby Live/WS)

However the retailer admitted some previously mentioned stores still remain under threat of closure at the end of this month unless new deals can be agreed.

This includes HMV in Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping Centre, which is due to close its doors on January 25 after the new business owner said the store was 'no longer viable'.

In December, HMV owner Doug Putman said Christmas was "crunch time" as the determiner of whether the handwork put into building the brand throughout the year pays off through festive sales.

He told the BBC: "All the hard work you do for 10 months of the year, that period is when you see it come to fruition and you see how good a job you did."

Putman, who owns Sunrise Records, bought the company in February last year and pulled it out of administration.

Neil Taylor, who manages HMV owner Doug Putman’s UK business interests, said the group are now reviewing its portfolio of stores. He added: “We are continuing to review our entire property portfolio and are working hard with landlords to ensure the long-term success for HMV."