HMV Returns to Dublin with a Stunning New Store

Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, has always been a city known for its love of music, culture, and entertainment. And now, Dublin’s music scene has received a tremendous boost with the opening of the brand new HMV store in the heart of the city. After a seven-year-long period of absence, the iconic entertainment retailer, HMV, is making a triumphant return to Dublin.

With a rich history of providing music, movies, and merchandise to passionate fans, the opening of the new HMV store is causing excitement among Dublin’s residents and visitors alike. This blog post delves into the details of the grand reopening, exploring the features of the store, its impact on the local community, and why HMV’s return is a cause for celebration in the vibrant city of Dublin.

A Legacy Revived

HMV, which stands for “His Master’s Voice,” has a storied past dating back to its establishment in London, England, in 1921. Over the years, it became synonymous with the distribution of music, films, and other forms of entertainment. Despite facing challenges in the digital age, HMV has shown resilience and a commitment to adapt to changing times. Now, HMV has chosen Dublin as the location for its newest flagship store, marking a significant milestone in its revitalization strategy.

Image via breakingnews.ie

The Ultimate Entertainment Destination

Located on Henry Street in Dublin, the new HMV store is an impressive space spanning over 6,000 square feet. As visitors step inside, they are greeted by a visually stunning layout that showcases a vast collection of music and movies across various genres and formats.

HMV Henry Street will stock over 15,000 products across three floors. This includes 10,000 vinyl albums and CDs, as well as music tech products and merchandise from pop culture franchises such as Stranger Things, Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel and DC.

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In addition to the extensive media selection, the store offers an array of merchandise, including t-shirts of more than 1,000 designs, posters, and collectables featuring beloved artists and characters. This makes HMV not only a shopping destination but also a haven for enthusiasts and collectors.

Image by Luvya Bhatia

Moreover, the store boasts cutting-edge technology that enhances the shopping experience. Interactive displays allow customers to explore different albums or movies, listen to music samples, and watch trailers. Knowledgeable staff members are always on hand to provide recommendations and answer questions, ensuring that every visit to HMV is both enjoyable and informative.

Three other stores, at the Dundrum Centre and Liffey Valley Shopping Centre in Dublin, and in the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick, will open their doors on Thursday, September 12th.

Representing the Local Community

The return of HMV to Dublin brings much more than just a shopping experience. It represents a revitalization of the city’s entertainment scene and a commitment to supporting the local community. The store’s opening has created employment opportunities for Dublin residents, contributing to the economic growth of the area.

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While there are still 120 HMV stores across the UK, the Dublin store will be its first Irish flagship store opened under the brand’s new manager, Doug Putman. Canadian businessman Putnam took over the business in 2019 and “has evolved its concept to centre on a fan and community-orientated offer”, according to a press release.

Putnam said: “Our return to Ireland marks the culmination of the team’s hard work having established a new HMV shopping experience across the UK.  We are now in a position to expand that concept into Europe.

“While fans will be able to get their hands on the latest and limited release vinyl and the hottest audio technology, truly indulging their love of music, they will also be able to express their passion for pop culture with ranges that can’t be found anywhere else in Dublin under one roof.”

Doug Putman. Image via theguardian.com

“We want Henry Street to become a home for a new community of fans to come together. What’s more, we hope that once we’ve got our feet back under the table in Ireland, further HMV shop openings will follow.”

Moreover, HMV aims to foster a sense of community by hosting regular events, such as album launches, live performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with artists with more information being announced on the company’s Instagram. These events not only attract music enthusiasts but also create a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. By nurturing a thriving artistic community, HMV aims to strengthen Dublin’s cultural landscape.

Image via independent.ie

Furthermore, HMV recognizes the importance of embracing new technologies and trends. The store offers digital music downloads and streaming services, catering to the changing habits of consumers. Through these digital offerings, HMV ensures that it remains relevant in the digital age while continuing to celebrate physical media and the joy of browsing through a vast collection.

The grand reopening of HMV in Dublin marks a significant milestone for both the iconic brand and the city’s entertainment landscape. The new store’s impressive selection, interactive features, and commitment to community engagement make it an exciting destination for music and movie lovers. Dublin residents and visitors alike can now relish the opportunity to step into a haven of music, films, and merchandise, experiencing the magic that only HMV can provide.

The store’s address is 18 Henry Street, Dublin 1, D01 WA24, Ireland and its opening hours are:

• Monday to Wednesday – 9 am to 7 pm
• Thursday – 9 am to 8 pm
• Friday and Saturday – 9 am to 7 pm
• Sunday – 11 am to 7 pm