Cork, Ireland – HMV is poised for a return to Cork City, marking a critically important development for the entertainment retailer and a boost for local employment. The Company has Confirmed Plans to establish a new store in the Merchant’s Quay shopping centre,anticipated to open its doors before the Christmas season.
A Resurgence for HMV in Ireland
Table of Contents
- 1. A Resurgence for HMV in Ireland
- 2. A History of Challenges and Reinvention
- 3. HMV’s Expansion: Key Locations
- 4. the Enduring Appeal of Physical Media
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about HMV’s Return
- 6. What factors led to HMV’s initial closure in Cork in 2013, and how have market conditions changed since then?
- 7. HMV Returns to Cork: Reopening Twelve Years After Patrick Street Closure
- 8. A Landmark Reopening for Cork City Center
- 9. The History: HMV’s Previous Cork Presence & 2013 Closure
- 10. What to Expect from the New HMV Cork Store
- 11. The Benefits of HMV’s Return to Cork
- 12. The Wider Trend: Physical Media’s Resilience
- 13. Practical Facts for Cork Shoppers
- 14. Real-World Example: HMV’s Successful Revival in Other Locations
This expansion represents a renewed commitment to the Irish market for HMV. The chain initially re-entered Ireland in 2023, opening a store on Dublin’s Henry Street.A further outlet followed in Limerick in May of this year. The Cork location will generate ten new full-time and part-time positions.
The Dublin store currently supports a team of 23 employees,while the Limerick branch employs 12 individuals. This demonstrates HMV’s increasing investment in the country’s retail landscape.
A History of Challenges and Reinvention
HMV’s journey in Ireland has been marked by periods of difficulty. Receivers were appointed to HMV (Ireland) Ltd in 2013, resulting in the closure of all 16 Irish stores. The company ceased operations in Ireland in 2016, transitioning to an online-only model. However, even the website was later shut down in 2018.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2019 when Canadian firm Sunrise Records, under the leadership of Doug Putman, acquired the UK business and assets of HMV from administration. This acquisition saved 100 stores and approximately 1,500 jobs. Sence then, HMV has steadily rebuilt its presence in the UK and is now extending that growth internationally.
Notably, HMV recently reclaimed its iconic Oxford Street location in London, which had been vacated in 2019. According to Statista,physical music sales in the UK saw a resurgence in 2022,increasing by 9.5% year-on-year, demonstrating continued demand for tangible media.
HMV’s Expansion: Key Locations
| Location | Year of Opening/Re-opening | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin (Henry Street) | 2023 | 23 |
| Limerick (Crescent shopping Centre) | 2024 | 12 |
| cork (Merchant’s Quay) | 2025 (Expected) | 10 |
A company spokesperson emphasized that the Cork store is part of a wider expansion strategy encompassing three new locations across the UK and Europe. They highlighted the company’s “confidence in the future of physical media and its renewed focus on prime high-street locations.”
did You Know? The original HMV store in Cork, located at the Pavilion cinema building on St.Patrick’s Street, faced protests from former employees demanding unpaid wages when the company initially closed.
pro Tip: keep an eye on HMV’s social media channels for updates on the Cork store opening date and potential in-store events.
What does HMV’s return signify for the future of physical media? And how will this expansion impact the local economy in Cork?
the Enduring Appeal of Physical Media
Despite the dominance of streaming services, physical media-including vinyl records, CDs, and DVDs-continues to hold appeal for many consumers. Collectors frequently enough prefer the tangible ownership and higher audio/visual quality offered by physical formats. The recent increase in vinyl sales worldwide is a testament to this enduring demand. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales in the US have increased for the 17th consecutive year, reaching $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions about HMV’s Return
- What is HMV? HMV is a British multinational retail company specializing in music, film, and entertainment products.
- Why did HMV close its Irish stores previously? HMV (Ireland) Ltd entered receivership in 2013, leading to widespread store closures due to financial difficulties.
- Where will the new HMV store in Cork be located? The new store will be located in the Merchant’s Quay shopping centre in Cork City.
- How many jobs will the new HMV store in Cork create? The new store is expected to create 10 new full-time and part-time jobs.
- Is physical media still popular? yes, physical media such as vinyl records and CDs are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, offering collectors a tangible ownership experience and enhanced audio quality.
- Who owns HMV now? HMV is currently owned by Sunrise Records, a Canadian firm led by Doug Putman.
- When is the HMV store in Cork expected to open? the store is expected to open before Christmas.
Share your thoughts on HMV’s return to Cork in the comments below! what are your favorite memories of shopping at HMV, and what do you hope to see in the new store?
What factors led to HMV’s initial closure in Cork in 2013, and how have market conditions changed since then?
HMV Returns to Cork: Reopening Twelve Years After Patrick Street Closure
A Landmark Reopening for Cork City Center
After a twelve-year absence, HMV is making a triumphant return to Cork City, reopening its doors on patrick Street. The closure in 2013 left a significant gap in the city’s retail landscape, and the news of its return has been met with considerable excitement from music, film, and gaming enthusiasts across Munster.This reopening signifies a renewed investment in Cork’s city centre and a vote of confidence in the future of physical media retail. The new store is slated to open in November 2025, just in time for the crucial Christmas shopping season.
The History: HMV’s Previous Cork Presence & 2013 Closure
HMV’s original Patrick Street store was a cornerstone of Cork’s cultural life for decades. It served as a central hub for discovering new music, purchasing DVDs, and browsing the latest video games. The 2013 closure,part of a wider restructuring of the UK-based company,impacted numerous Irish stores,including locations in Dublin and Galway.
* Factors contributing to the 2013 closure: Increased competition from online retailers (like Amazon and streaming services), changing consumer habits, and economic downturn.
* Local Impact: The closure resulted in job losses and a perceived decline in the vibrancy of Patrick Street.
* Initial Attempts at Revival: Following the initial collapse, HMV was acquired by Hilco Capital, leading to a limited reopening of some stores across the UK and Ireland. Though,Cork remained without a presence.
What to Expect from the New HMV Cork Store
The new HMV store promises to be more then just a retail outlet; it aims to be a destination for entertainment lovers.While details are still emerging, here’s what we certainly know so far:
* Expanded Product Range: Beyond music (vinyl, CDs), film (Blu-ray, 4K UHD), and games, the store will likely feature a wider selection of merchandise, including pop culture collectibles, apparel, and tech accessories.
* Vinyl Revival focus: Recognizing the ongoing resurgence of vinyl records, HMV is expected to dedicate significant space to this format, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers. expect a curated selection of new releases, reissues, and classic albums.
* In-Store Events: HMV has been increasingly hosting in-store events, such as album signings, meet-and-greets, and live performances. Cork residents can anticipate similar opportunities.
* Gaming Section: A dedicated gaming section will stock the latest consoles (PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X/S,Nintendo Switch),games,and accessories.
* HMV Technology: The store will also feature a technology section, offering headphones, speakers, and other audio-visual equipment.
The Benefits of HMV’s Return to Cork
The reopening of HMV brings several benefits to Cork City:
* Job Creation: The new store will create numerous retail positions, boosting local employment.
* Economic Boost: Increased footfall on Patrick Street will benefit surrounding businesses.
* Enhanced Retail Offering: HMV adds a unique and valuable offering to cork’s retail landscape, attracting shoppers from across the region.
* Cultural enrichment: The store will serve as a hub for music, film, and gaming culture, fostering a sense of community.
* Revitalisation of Patrick Street: The return of a major retailer like HMV contributes to the ongoing efforts to revitalise Patrick Street as a premier shopping destination.
The Wider Trend: Physical Media’s Resilience
Despite the dominance of digital streaming, physical media continues to demonstrate surprising resilience. Several factors contribute to this:
* Collector’s Value: Vinyl records and limited-edition Blu-rays are increasingly seen as collectible items.
* Sound & Visual Quality: Many audiophiles and cinephiles prefer the superior sound and visual quality of physical formats.
* Ownership & Tangibility: Some consumers simply prefer owning a physical copy of their favorite music and films.
* Supporting Artists: Purchasing physical media is often seen as a more direct way to support artists.
* HMV’s Strategic Shift: HMV has successfully adapted by focusing on these niche markets and offering a curated selection of products.
Practical Facts for Cork Shoppers
* Location: The new HMV store will be located on Patrick Street, Cork City. specific unit number to be confirmed.
* Opening Date: Expected in November 2025. Keep an eye on HMV’s official website and social media channels for the exact date.
* Opening Hours: Standard retail hours are anticipated, likely 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.
* Parking: Numerous car parks are available in the vicinity of Patrick Street.
* Public Transport: Patrick Street is well-served by bus routes.
Real-World Example: HMV’s Successful Revival in Other Locations
HMV’s success in
