HMV announces closure of Oxford store

The chain said in a statement that it was "actively looking for a new unit" in the city

HMV has announced it will close its Oxford store and is looking for a new premises in the city.

The chain said in a statement its Cornmarket Street branch would "unfortunately" shut on 22 April after its landlord decided not to renew its lease.

It is currently based in the Clarendon Centre, which is undergoing a major redevelopment that is due to continue until 2028 or 2029.

Owner Lothbury Investment Management has been contacted for a comment.

HMV said it had hoped the redevelopment plans would still enable it continue trading at the current premises.

It added that store staff were "regrettably" now considered at risk of redundancy.

The Oxford outlet returned to the Clarendon Centre in 2021, seven years after it had previously closed down

The retail chain said it started trading in Oxford more than 30 years ago.

It returned to the Clarendon Centre in 2021, seven years after it had previously closed down.

The chain said it had "no intention to stop serving our loyal customers in Oxford".

"We are actively looking for a new unit to restart trading as soon as possible and would encourage landlords and agents in Oxford to get in touch with new potential sites," it said.

The statement added its nearby stores in Reading, High Wycombe and Banbury "will all remain open".