Major HMV stores in London to be axed following chain’s sale

HMV is set to shut its flagship London stores in Westfield and Oxford Street as part of a swathe of closures following a rescue deal with Sunrise Records.

The Shepherds Bush outlet is one of 27 stores in line for closure after Canadian music entrepreneur Doug Putman confirmed he had bought the retailer this morning.

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HMV also revealed it is closing its Oxford Street branch, ending the music store's 98-year residence on one of the world's most famous high streets.

Among the HMV stores that will remain open in the capital are the Fopp in Covent Garden, as well as stores in Kingston and Bromley.

City AM understands that senior staff at branches in the firing line were informed of the closures on a conference call with senior management earlier today.

The news comes hours after Putman, who runs Canadian retailer Sunrise Records, announced plans to save 100 stores in a move that will likely safeguard roughly 1,500 jobs.

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However, 455 jobs are expected to be slashed as a result of the 27 store closures.

Putman’s move to buy the beleaguered music chain came despite reports that Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley was making a move for the high street giant.

Here is the full list of HMV stores facing closure: