For over three decades, it was the destination for music fans from across Scotland to browse the latest releases from the biggest bands.
But now, almost six years after the sad closure of their flagship Edinburgh store, HMV is set to make a historic comeback to the capital’s main shopping thoroughfare with the opening of a new outlet.
The iconic entertainment retailer will set up shop in the site of the former Gap building as part of a relaunch to celebrate the brand’s centenary after being pulled out of administration in 2019 by Canadian firm Sunrise Records.
The three-storey outlet - which will specialise in vinyl records - is set to stock more than 20,000 products and will allow customers to have items not available in-store to be delivered to their door when it opens on March 18.
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Paul Clunie, Store Manager, said: “When HMV closed on Princes Street in 2016 many of our shoppers missed out on a shopping experience that only HMV can provide, with the chance to discover new music and film and browse for something to complete their collections.
"We’re thrilled to be back in the heart of Edinburgh, and we can’t wait to open our doors next month to welcome our customers with fantastic offers.”
Owner Doug Putman announced expansion plans to open ten new stores across the UK last summer.
A spokesperson for the brand confirmed its return after posters appeared in the window of the unit - located less than half a mile from the original.
HMV was forced to shut the doors of its historic Princes Street location in 2016 following its collapse into financial difficulty - 31 years after it opened to mass fanfare.
Popstars The Thompson Twins cut the ribbon when the landmark shop threw open its doors in 1985, before a steady stream of renowned performers including Wet Wet Wet and Meatloaf made appearances to sign albums for legions of adoring fans.
The building was sold to controversial retailer Sports Direct in 2016, though HMV retained a presence in the city through one of its few remaining stores in Ocean Terminal and sister store Fopp on Rose Street.
In 2021, Putman told the BBC he was “optimistic” the brand would have a heightened high street presence following the pandemic.
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The first of the planned new stores opened in Solihull last year, shortly before music star Ed Sheeran hosted a special intimate performance for just 700 fans at the HMV Empire in Coventry as part of the centenary celebrations.
Clothing brand Gap pulled their physical shops last summer to move online-only, shutting 81 premises.
Phil Halliday, HMV managing director, said: “The opening of our new Princes Street shop demonstrates the incredible turnaround of the HMV business, and shows that fans of music, film and pop culture are keener than ever to get their hands on physical product.
“Nothing beats discovering new films and music by browsing in a store filled with expert, knowledgeable staff – it’s something that streaming can’t replace."
He added: "HMV has a long history of offering signings and performances from amazing artists and bands, and we’re looking forward to bringing some incredible fan events to Edinburgh soon.”
