HMV doubles down on physical retail with new Bluewater flagship

The expanded store will house an extensive range of vinyl, CDs, and film media alongside a merchandise collection spanning franchises like Star Wars and Funko POP!. Beyond entertainment hardware, the site aims to capture a broader audience with an integrated book section covering genres from graphic novels to manga and music biographies. To bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping, the retailer will also offer its home delivery service for items not currently stocked on the shelves.

Phil Halliday, Managing Director at HMV and Fopp, noted that the centre remains a vital location for the business's growth strategy. James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, described the move as a testament to the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar retail. HMV, which has maintained a presence at the site since its 1999 opening, currently operates over 125 stores across the UK and Europe.