HMV is taking a significant step by expanding its book selection at the Oxford Street flagship store.
- This marks HMV’s first major venture into standalone literature offerings within its retail space.
- A dedicated floor will open on 18 November, featuring a live events stage and a curated book collection.
- The collection includes both current bestsellers and classic works from various genres.
- HMV plans to explore further literary expansion across its UK stores.
HMV, traditionally known for its entertainment retail, is embarking on a new journey by dedicating an entire floor to books at its Oxford Street flagship store. This move signals the retailer’s first significant foray into literature as a standalone offering within its retail environment.
The new space, the hmv 363 Bookshop, is set to open on 18 November, strategically ahead of the festive season, offering a specially curated selection of books that promises to engage and excite book lovers. A live events stage will also be featured, enhancing the interactive shopping experience.
Readers can expect to see a variety of titles, including well-loved bestsellers like ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ by Sarah J. Maas, and new releases such as Stephen King’s ‘Holly’. The collection also comprises timeless classics like ‘A Clockwork Orange’ by Anthony Burgess and George Orwell’s ‘1984.’
This initiative will commence at the Oxford Street location as a pilot for further experimentation across HMV’s 121 UK stores. The retailer’s vision is to expand the literary offering, subject to customer reception and market conditions, indicating a potential shift in its traditional business model.
Doug Putman, the owner, expressed his long-standing ambition to expand HMV’s product offerings by stating, “Whilst we have sold books online and have a selection of books available in-store, I’ve always wanted to expand the offering. The hmv 363 Bookshop space at our flagship will be unlike any other bookshop on the high street.” He emphasised the retailer’s commitment to nurturing a community atmosphere, where fans of music, film, and popular culture can convene and explore mutual interests.
The strategic initiation of a dedicated literary floor at HMV’s flagship store underscores a potential new chapter in the retailer’s evolution.
