Iconic British music retailer HMV is set to make a triumphant return to the Irish market this summer after a seven-year hiatus. The company plans to open a new three-story flagship store on Dublin’s Henry Street in mid-July, marking its first venture outside the UK in four years.
The HMV store will occupy a 6,000 square foot space and aims to breathe new life into the music and pop culture retail scene in Dublin. The store will house a vast selection of over 15,000 products, including 5,000 vinyl albums, 5,500 CDs, 3,000 pop culture items, and 1,000 different T-shirt designs. In addition to offering an extensive range of merchandise, the store intends to create a unique hub for music enthusiasts by featuring performance spaces for live shows, artist signings, and other events.
HMV Managing Director Phil Halliday expressed enthusiasm about the company’s return to Dublin, a city with strong historical ties to the brand. Halliday highlighted the company’s eagerness to connect with music fans and create a dynamic community space for sharing their passion in the new store.
This expansion represents a significant milestone for HMV, which has experienced a rollercoaster journey in the Irish retail market. The rapid rise of digital music consumption and streaming services led to the closure of HMV’s Irish stores in 2016, followed by the shutdown of its local online presence.
However, under the ownership of Canadian billionaire Doug Putman, HMV has seen a revival in the UK market, with more than 120 stores turning a profit. Putman acquired HMV in 2019, and his strategy pivoted the business concept towards being a haven for music lovers and collectors, with a strong focus on community-building.
HMV’s upcoming Dublin store, owned by Irish Life Investment Managers, represents the brand’s ambitious plans for the future, aiming to become an epicentre for Irish music fans and collectors. This bold move signals the beginning of a new chapter in HMV’s history and could potentially pave the way for further store openings across Ireland.
