UK retail large returns to excessive road after plunging into administration
HMV is set to open a new store in Chelmsford later this year, with the music retailer returning to the high street following two periods of administration and the closure of its previous city centre shop in 2024
(Image: Getty)
A beloved high street music and entertainment retailer is gearing up to make a comeback in Chelmsford city centre later this year. HMV has plans to open a new store at the Meadows Shopping Centre. The brand previously operated a shop at the High Chelmer Shopping Centre, which shut its doors in 2024 after over twenty years of trading.
The venue had welcomed big names from the music and entertainment industry for album signings and various events. Although an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, HMV has hinted that the store will launch “later this year”.
The company has already started recruiting for the store, with supervisor and sales assistant positions currently advertised online. HMV will join the likes of Burger King, Costa, Suit Direct and other brands at the Meadows Shopping Centre, according to the Express.
This news follows the announcement that burger and fried chicken restaurant Smoke and Pepper is set to open in April, while Hollywood Bowl will occupy a unit before the end of the year.
A spokesperson for HMV said: “HMV is excited to open a new shop in Chelmsford later this year. While we are unable to share any details at the moment, we will share further information nearer the time.”
The chain has gone into administration twice: first in January 2013 and then again in December 2018.
In early 2019, however, HMV was bought by Sunrise Records, a Canadian music retailer led by Doug Putman, saving around 100 stores and the majority of jobs. Since then, the retailer has expanded its offerings significantly beyond DVDs and CDs, shifting its focus to vinyl records, pop culture merchandise, tech accessories, and even staging live in-store performances.
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