HMV to shut 37 more UK stores

Administrators have confirmed plans to close another 37 HMV UK stores.

The affected outlets employ 464 staff and are expected to be shut over the next four to six weeks, in parallel with the 66 stores that were previously earmarked for closure. The latest announcement means HMV’s UK store count will be reduced from 219 to 116, resulting in almost 1,400 job losses.

Joint administrator Nick Edwards said: "This step has been taken in order to enhance the prospects of the restructured business continuing as a going concern.

“We are extremely grateful to the staff for their continued strong support and commitment during an understandably difficult period. All other key stakeholders including suppliers and landlords remain supportive and we appreciate their ongoing assistance.”

The 37 HMV UK stores today identified for closure are: Ashford, Basildon, Bolton, Cheltenham, East Kilbride, Enfield, Folkestone, Glasgow Argyle, Gloucester, Grimsby, Hatfield Galleria, Heathrow T5 Departure Level, Heathrow Terminal 1, Heathrow Terminal 3, Heathrow Terminal 4, Hemel Hempstead, High Wycombe, Isle of Wight, Lancaster, Leadenhall, Mansfield, Middlesbrough, Newbury, Newcastle Silverlink, Newport, Nuneaton, Redditch, Salisbury, Scarborough, Southport, Stafford, Staines, Stockport, Swindon, Taunton, Torquay, Woking.

It was confirmed earlier this month that all of HMV's Irish stores are to be permanently closed, leading to 300 job losses.

The UK entertainment retail group went into administration in mid-January after 91 years in business.