Vinyl loving HMV sees double at Bluewater shopping centre as retailer preps new store opening
Entertainment retailer HMV is moving on up at Bluewater Shopping Centre in the UK with a new two-storey store. It is poised to take over a 7,000 sq ft unit after Gravity Arcade shut down last month. A spokesperson for Gravity Arcade said that the premises were always intended to be a “temporary pop-up location”, which “operated for a limited period”.
The expanded store (double the size of HMV’s previous Bluewater location) will open later this year and stock vinyl, CDs, films, and TV shows, as well as T-shirts from major franchises including Star Wars, KPop Demon Hunters, and Funko POP! It will also offer a wide selection of books, from fiction and graphic novels to music biographies, young adult titles, and manga.
Phil Halliday, Managing Director at HMV and Fopp, says: "Bluewater has always been a key destination for the business, and we're thrilled to be expanding our footprint within the centre. Whether you're hunting down rare vinyl, diving into Manga, or picking up the latest merch, the new shop will offer something for everyone. We can't wait to welcome in customers later this year."
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, says: "As one of Bluewater's original retailers, having been with us since we first opened in 1999, HMV has always been a firm favourite with our guests. "Seeing them commit to an even bigger space is not only great news for us, but highlights a wider confidence in bricks and mortar retail. We look forward to seeing the new, larger store open its doors later this year."
The hmv delivers service will also be available, allowing people to order items not available in-store and have them delivered to their homes.
HMV currently operates more than 125 stores across the UK and Europe.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
