HMV is making a significant move by dedicating a full floor to books at its flagship Oxford Street store, launching on 18 November.

• This venture marks HMV’s first major step into literature as a standalone feature, broadening its traditional entertainment offerings.
• The new bookshop will offer a curated selection, including bestsellers and classic works, appealing to a diverse audience of book lovers.
• A live events stage will enhance the shopping experience, catering to cultural enthusiasts seeking engagement beyond book purchases.
• HMV plans to explore further literary expansions across its 121 UK stores, aiming to create community hubs for readers.

HMV is taking a bold step by dedicating an entire floor to books at its flagship Oxford Street store, launching this new section on 18 November. This initiative is a part of HMV’s strategy to diversify its offerings, stepping beyond traditional entertainment media. The decision to focus on literature marks a significant strategic expansion for the retailer, known primarily for its music and video products.

This new venture is the beginning of HMV’s standalone foray into the world of books, expanding from merely selling books, as it has previously done online and in-store limitedly. The fresh bookshop will feature a curated mix of contemporary bestsellers and timeless classics. The availability of popular titles such as ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ by Sarah J. Maas, ‘Holly’ by Stephen King, and ‘The Satsuma Complex’ by Bob Mortimer, alongside classics like Anthony Burgess’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and George Orwell’s ‘1984’, ensures a comprehensive selection for visitors.

Doug Putman, the owner of HMV, expressed a longstanding desire to broaden the company’s literary offering, indicating that the Oxford Street flagship aims to offer a unique high street experience through the hmv 363 Bookshop space. He stated, “While music is central to the HMV offer, we believe passionately in giving fans of popular culture a place to come, meet and explore the things they care about so deeply with likeminded people.”

Furthermore, the addition of a live events stage is designed to augment the overall retail experience, providing a platform for cultural engagement and interaction, appealing to a wide range of customers interested in literature, music, and film. This initiative reflects HMV’s commitment to creating a community-centred atmosphere that not only sells products but also celebrates shared interests and stories.

Looking forward, HMV has expressed ambitions to further explore literary expansions across its 121 stores throughout the UK. This trial at Oxford Street will likely inform future decisions regarding the rollout of similar offerings in other locations, underscoring HMV’s intent to transform its spaces into cultural hubs where readers can connect and engage.

HMV’s initiative to incorporate a significant literary component into its Oxford Street store underscores a strategic effort to diversify and enhance community engagement.