HMV’s Manchester store to close

HMV’S Manchester store in Market Street has been earmarked for closure by administrators handling the business.

It is one of 66 HMV shops around the country that will close, putting 930 staff out of work.

The closures are expected to take place over the next few months. The decision leaves the group with 154 shops.

Seven others in the North West are affected in Birkenhead, Blackburn, Rochdale, Speke, St Helens, Warrington and Wrexham. The decision leaves the group with 154 shops.

Joint administrator Nick Edwards said: “As part of our ongoing review of HMV’s financial position, we have now completed a review of the store portfolio and have identified 66 loss making stores for closure. This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of securing the business’ future as a going concern.
 
“We continue to receive strong support from staff and are extremely grateful to them for their commitment during an understandably difficult period. All other key stakeholders remain very supportive and I continue to be hopeful of securing a future for the restructured business.”

There was no word on the fate of Fopp, the HMV-owned retailer that is also in administration.