The iconic HMV store is back on Henry Street for the first time in nearly ten years, and it already seems to be generating interest. Staff members and fit-out experts were stacking the final records, T-shirts, posters, and toys in preparation for Friday's grand opening.

HMV initially shut down in 2013, plagued by the rise of streaming and the effects of the post-2008 recession. Ireland bided farewell to the chain in 2016 with the closure of five stores, including Henry Street, following a three-year revival. Retail billionaire Doug Putman acquired the UK operation in 2019 for less than €1 million after purchasing the Canadian division two years prior, buoyed by the success of his record store venture there.

Phil Halliday who is the managing director for HMV said: “I think probably people were at times like ‘what the hell are you doing?’. But now all of his business is on a better footing. There is a pattern to what he’s done, and customers want it and if you can deliver it in the right place, in the right way, there is demand for it.”

With the rise in Vinyl sales which HMV are famous for, the business has done well year by year as Halliday continues: “The business is doing really well. “Our financial year end in the UK is May and revenue will be up significantly on the year previous. We’re in a good place.”

Let’s hope HMV stays in Dublin for the foreseeable future as it brings a lot of nostalgia for the Irish public. Shops that sell these types of products have become scarce since its closure so it’s a needed addition to Henry Street.