End of an era as HMV shuts up shop tomorrow (From The Bolton News)

End of an era as HMV shuts up shop tomorrow

8:58am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

BOLTON’S HMV will close its doors for the last time tomorrow.

And even the fixtures and fittings at the town centre shop will be up for sale, along with CDs, DVDs and games, as the 10 staff lose their jobs.

The shop has been running a closing down sale since February after it was announced it was one of 37 extra stores added to a list of shops to be closed.

More than 1,500 HMV workers face redundancy with the total closure of 103 of HMV’s 220 branches.

Bolton HMV staff have been unable to comment on the closure but a spokesman for accountancy firm Deloitte, which has handled HMV’s administration, said: “Unfortunately this is now the time when stores are set to close.

“Last month we announced the Bolton shop was closing, as part of 37 extra closures.

“The closure period was set between four and six weeks and Bolton’s closure fits in with that timetable. No specific announcements are being made about each individual store but unfortunately these stores are now going to close.”

The sale of fixtures and fittings will be part of the administrators’ attempt to recoup as much money as possible from each store.

Stickers have been displayed where once the latest CDs and DVDs were on show just inside the entrance.

The shop’s former prime retailing space, known as the Chart Wall, now features shelving units, shop display stands, a staff room table and chairs, stock room shelves and a labelling machine.

Even a kettle is up for sale at £5.

In January when HMV went into administration, Hilco, which already owns HMV Canada, bought HMV UK’s debt from the group's lenders, Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland.

The deal could now allow Hilco to gain full control of HMV although other retailers, including supermarkets, may be interested in buying the HMV brand.

Other stores due to close include Manchester’s 90 Market Street site although the Trafford Centre shop is staying open. Other smaller shops in Rochdale, Ashton, Wigan, Blackburn, Warrington, St Helen’s and Birkenhead are also closing.

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