The Great London HMV Hunt: Fewer Than You Think, But More Fun Than You'd Guess
Remember those sprawling HMV megastores of yore? The ones where you could get lost for hours amongst mountains of CDs, vinyl, and questionable novelty socks? Yeah, those days are a little different in the London of 2024. But fear not, music and movie magpies! There's still a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed, albeit a slightly smaller one.
So, How Many HMVs Are We Talking Here?
Brace yourselves, intrepid explorers: there are just three glorious HMVs left in the entire London sprawl. Three! That's less than the number of times you've probably considered starting your own vinyl collection this year (don't judge, we've all been there).
But wait! Before you shed a tear for lost browsing hours, there's a silver lining so shiny it could blind a Dalek.
Why Three HMVs is Actually Kind of Awesome
Here's the thing: with only three locations, finding your HMV fix becomes an adventure, not just a shopping trip. Think of it as a record store version of Pokémon Go! Instead of catching Pikachus, you're catching limited edition vinyl pressings and bargain boxsets.
The Thrill of the Hunt:
Strategic Placement: Those three valiant HMVs are scattered strategically across London, like record store beacons in the night. You've got one in Oxford Street for the classic central London experience, another in Westfield Stratford for all your East London cool-kid needs, and a third in Croydon, because, well, Croydon deserves some HMV love too.
The Joy of Discovery: Finding that elusive copy of the Spice Girls' debut album on cassette (yes, they still exist!) after a day of record store exploration is a feeling that can't be replicated with a simple online search.
Bragging Rights: Be the envy of your mates by becoming a master HMV navigator. "Oh, you need that obscure French art-house film on Blu-ray? Let me tell you about this little gem I found in Croydon..."
Important Note: While the thrill of the hunt is undeniable, it's also wise to be a prepared adventurer. Calling ahead to confirm they have what you're looking for can save you a potentially record-less journey.
Still Got Questions? HMV Hunting FAQs:
How to find the nearest HMV?
Head to the HMV website and utilize their nifty store finder tool: https://hmv.com/
How many HMVs are there in the UK altogether?
While London may be a bit HMV-light, there are still around 120 stores scattered across the UK.
How do I know if an HMV sells a specific item?
Some stores may have online listings, but calling ahead is always the best bet.
Is there a dress code for HMV hunting?
Nope! Wear whatever makes you feel like a music and movie maverick.
Should I bring snacks for my HMV hunting adventure?
Absolutely! The thrill of the hunt can be energy-sapping. Pack some travel-friendly snacks to keep you fueled for your vinyl victory lap.
So there you have it, folks! With a little planning and a dash of adventurous spirit, you can conquer the London HMV landscape and emerge victorious (and possibly with a killer new record collection). Happy hunting!
