A large HMV music and film store which opened in 1999 is due to close today as the business moves to smaller premises.
The Whitefriars Shopping Center branch in Canterbury survived previous closures by the company, which was bought out of administration in 2018.
But now bosses have decided to downsize the store and will move it to an adjoining former Monsoon and Accessorize unit in the same mall.
Over the past decade, the company has been hit hard by the rise of download and streaming services, but has also increased sales of increasingly popular vinyl records to which it has devoted more space.
It also offers a variety of music, pop culture and film products.
HMV (His Master’s Voice) spokesman Simon Winter said the new store, which is expected to open in late February, will offer 4,000 square feet instead of the existing 6,000 square feet over two floors.
“This move represents a great opportunity to provide customers with a new HMV offering spread over a single floor, which will significantly improve access and allow customers to quickly find what they need,” he said.
“All existing store staff will be moving to the new location, and store manager Neil Bedwell is confident that customers will love the new and improved offering, which will cater to all music, film and culture fans better than ever. pop.”
Whitefriars bosses say a major furniture retailer, who has yet to be officially named, is negotiating to take over the lease of the HMV site.
Westwood Cross HMV closed in 2020 and there are three other branches in Kent – Maidstone, Bluewater and Tunbridge Wells.
HMV was rescued from administration by Canadian company Sunrise Records in 2019, but unexpectedly closed several branches the following year due to “exorbitant” commercial rates.
The chain previously entered administration in 2013 but was taken over by Hilco UK months later.
