The world's largest HMV store has opened its doors to shoppers just months after the chain announced dozens of branch closures. Spanning 25,000 sq ft across one floor - almost the size of 12 tennis courts - HMV Vault in Birmingham promises to become a "nirvana for music and film fans" with dedicated spaces for vinyl, CDs and DVDs as well as a performance area for bands to take to the stage. But less than a year since the company called in administrators for the second time in a decade, and closed a raft of existing stores, can this ambitious new site help restore its fortunes in an age when digital purchases apparently rule? The move is all part of new owner Doug Putman's vision to "simplify the offer" for HMV's customers, combining "clicks and mortar" in time to mark the firm's centenary on the high street, in 2021. HMV said it would also stock an "unparalleled" range of specialist music titles, plus movies, books, posters, T-shirts and exclusive merchandise.
