PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
HMV is reducing the amount of high-end technology it sells, the retailer has told PCR.
HMV director Steve West revealed that the firm has cut back on selling items such as tablets to make way for “products which our customers more readily associate with the HMV brand” like music, films and games.
“We have cut back on some of the high-end technology items such as tablets and given this space over to core HMV products,” he said.
“You will see a focus on the core HMV products of music, film and games featuring great chart offers, extraordinary campaign titles and a deep back catalogue. This is what HMV does best.”
However, HMV is still seeing success with certain consumer electronics categories like headsets, as well as books and clothing.
“We will keep selling books, headphones and T-shirts,” West confirmed. “Indeed, we have expanded our T-shirt range significantly over the last six months and we continue to expand our very successful headphone range.”
In 2013, HMV opened stores in Cheltenham, Bristol, Swindon, Watford and at 363 Oxford Street. The retailer plans to continue this expansion throughout 2014 and look for opportunities to open up brand new stores or re-site existing ones to superior locations as and when the opportunities arise.
HMV returned to its original flagship 363 Oxford Street store in October, where the first His Master’s Voice was opened by Sir Edward Elgar in 1921.
The retailer remained there until 2000, when it moved to a bigger site further down London’s most famous shopping street.
“We have cut back on some of the high end technology items to focus on core products. This is what HMV does best.”
HMV went into administration in January 2013 after struggling with fierce competition from supermarkets and online retailers. It was bought out by restructuring firm Hilco in April in a deal that saved 1,500 jobs and 23 stores.
“We have now had the chance to re-open the store and establish 363, Oxford Street as our flagship and the very centre of entertainment retailing in the UK,” West added.
HMV.com has also been given a complete overhaul.
“It’s an editorially focused site, but with the option to purchase music downloads as well,” commented HMV.com’s web editor Tom Goodwyn.
“Our aim is to show off the fantastic breadth of knowledge within HMV and provide a much more personal experience. We’ll also be bringing you interviews and videos from all the amazing events that go on in store every single week.
“Obviously this is the first iteration of the site and we’re already planning the roll out of more functionality as well as new ways that customers can buy content.”
The pureHMV loyalty programme is also back. Customers can visit purehmv.com to exchange points for rewards like signed merchandise and access to HMV events.
