HMV
HMV opened its first shop on Oxford Street, London, in 1921 and became a defining British destination for recorded music.
The story of HMV
HMV opened its first shop on Oxford Street, London, in 1921 and became a defining British destination for recorded music. Its stores sold vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and later games and pop-culture merchandise. The chain faced major disruption from digital distribution, entering administration in 2013 and again in 2018, but the HMV brand subsequently continued trading.
Historical business dossier
Founders and origins
HMV opened its first His Master’s Voice shop on Oxford Street, London, in 1921, building on the Gramophone Company’s music and recording heritage. It became a major music, film and games retailer.
Ownership through the years
The chain passed through EMI-related ownership, later becoming HMV Group plc. Following its 2013 administration, Hilco acquired the UK retail business. Canadian entrepreneur Doug Putman’s Sunrise Records acquired the business after a further 2018–19 administration.
Decline and administration
Music streaming, digital downloads, changing physical-media demand, leases and financial pressure contributed to HMV’s 2013 administration and another in late 2018. Successor stores reopened and continued trading.
Financial performance and scale
The 2013 administration involved over 200 shops; the 2018–19 estate was smaller. Revenue and profit should be drawn from the specific legal entity and accounting period, not assumed across owners.
Who owns the brand today?
HMV continues as a physical and online retailer under successor ownership associated with Sunrise Records/Doug Putman. Current trademark registrations may be held in different entities or territories.
Research sources
Branding through the years
Historical images and clearly identified reconstructions.
HMV store closing down in Southampton, March 2018
Archival photograph of the brand at this point in its history.
Image: Hugh Venables · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original source ↗Historical image archive
Image: Hugh Venables · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Original source ↗
Brand timeline
First HMV store opens in London
Administration and rescue
Second administration
Community memories
Personal recollections from visitors. These are not independently verified historical facts.
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