A beloved high street music and entertainment retail chain is set to make its return to Chelmsford city centre later this year. HMV is planning to open a new store at the Meadows Shopping Centre.
The brand formerly operated a shop at the High Chelmer Shopping Centre, which shut its doors in 2024 following more than 20 years of trading. The venue had welcomed major names from the music and entertainment industry for album signings and various events.
While a precise opening date remains unconfirmed, HMV has stated the store will open “later this year”.
The retailer has already started recruitment for the outlet, with supervisor and sales assistant positions now advertised online.
The arrival also follows news that burger and fried chicken restaurant Smoke and Pepper is due to open in April, while Hollywood Bowl will occupy a unit before the year’s end.
A HMV spokesperson said: “HMV is excited to open a new shop in Chelmsford later this year. While we are unable to share any details at the moment, we will share further information nearer the time.”
However, in early 2019, HMV was bought out by Sunrise Records, a Canadian music retailer owned by Doug Putman, and around 100 stores and most jobs were saved.
Since then, the company has expanded beyond DVDs and CDs and shifted focus to vinyl, pop culture merchandise, tech accessories, and even live performances in-store.