HMV blames ‘lack of investment in Boston’ for store closure

A major entertainment retailer blamed a "lack of investment" in a Lincolnshire town for its decision to close a store. HMV will be closing up shop in Pescod Square in Boston[1] for the second time, having reopened the store in 2018.

Staff have been notified and the closure is expected to come within days. A spokesperson for the company said: "It is with considerable regret that we have decided to close our Boston shop.

"Shifting consumer behaviours and a lack of investment in the town’s retail district has meant that it is no longer a sustainable location for us. We have been in contact with all store staff and are looking to offer them new roles elsewhere in the business where that is possible. We'd also like to thank all our customers over the years for their patronage."

Poll: What's the best sandwich shop in Lincolnshire?[2]

The store closed for the first time back in 2013. Cllr Dale Broughton, the deputy leader of Boston Borough Council[3], said he was sorry to see HMV leave but the council remained committed to "revitalising" the market town.

He said: "We are always extremely sorry to see one of our town centre shops closing, especially for those employees who are affected. As always, we will work closely with our partners at DWP to help staff find alternative employment as soon as possible. We fully appreciate what a difficult time it is currently in the retail environment nationally, and Boston is no exception, but as a council we are fully committed to revitalising Boston's town centre and helping improve its overall offer, working in partnership with businesses, residents and partners."

He added: "Our new Boston town centre strategy and action plan will be at the heart of this ambition, utilising the significant funding for the borough through the Government's Town Deal and Levelling Up funds to drive growth and regeneration, hold flagship events like the recent Christmas festival and improve footfall to help make Boston a great place to live, work or visit."

While its reasoning for departing paints a dire picture for Boston, HMV celebrated the reopening of its flagship store in London's Oxford Street back in November. The jubilant return drew strong crowds and was marked by performances by ska seven-piece Madness and indie rockers The Reytons.

The grand store closed in 2019 when the high street staple fell into administration, before it was quickly rescued by Canadian businessman and Sunrise Records owner Doug Putman. It returned to profit in 2022. HMV, or His Master's Voice, first opened its doors to customers in 1921.

It stocks a range of DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, comic books and pop culture lines. Once the Boston store closes, the only HMV in Lincolnshire will be the store in Lincoln's Cornhill Quarter.

References

  1. ^ Boston (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ What's the best sandwich shop in Lincolnshire? (xd.wayin.com)
  3. ^ Boston Borough Council (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)

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