Suggestions that HMV could be opening a new concept store in Birmingham have today been confirmed by the music giant.
And it turns out it is going to massive! hmv has announced it is planning to open ‘Europe’s largest entertainment store’ right in the heart of Brum.
Covering more than 25,000 sq ft, the shop will feature music, DVDs, books, merchandise – and even a stage for live performances and signing sessions, with weekly performances and meet and greets already being planned.
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Branded The hmv Vault, the enormous shop will take over the former IKEA Order and Collection store in Dale End. Hopefully, it will breathe new life into this troubled area which has seen a rise in knife crimes in recent months.
A spokesman for hmv said: “In defiance of current trends to close and downsize stores, the move to open over 25,000 sq ft. of retail space is a bold and confident one that reflects the resurgence of the hmv brand.
“The hmv Vault will offer a head-spinning range of music, film, merchandise and tech products in one vast space. The new entertainment store, a nirvana for music and film fans, will be situated at Dale End, close to Birmingham’s city centre.”
Look what happened when The Vamps were at hmv Birmingham in 2016:
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“Customers can expect to lose themselves in an unrivalled range of music, where vinyl collectors and enthusiasts will find a huge selection of LPs to pore over as they immerse themselves in thousands of albums in a dedicated vinyl paradise.
“With hmv’s 100th anniversary fast approaching (1921-2021) The hmv Vault represents an enduring commitment to providing the best entertainment offer on the high street and online, forming an important focus for activity around the up and coming centenary.”
When with The hmv Vault open?
The new store is due to open in mid-October so music-lovers don’t have too long to wait. IKEA closed its Dale End store in July 2018 after just two years in the city.
What to expect at the new store
The hmv Vault will house a permanent stage area and PA sound system, allowing customers to get up close and personal to their favourite bands and artists as they showcase their latest releases with a regular programme of in-store performances and signing sessions planned each week.
Shopping in and near Birmingham
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Store bosses are promising there will be lots of specialist music sections to ensure a huge range of classical, jazz, folk, country, blues and world music is on offer.
There will also be a large selection of DVDs, Blu-ray and 4K films available plus plenty of box sets and collectible hmv exclusive editions too. And look out for books, posters, t-shirts and exclusive merchandise aplenty.
There is currently a hmv at Bullring. It has not yet been confirmed what will happen to this existing store.