HMV today launched a new online strategy seven months after it was bought out of administration.
On Thursday, the entertainment retailer launched a free mobile app allowing customers to buy or listen to tasters of tracks by scanning CD covers, posters or adverts in store. Once the tracks are bought or pre-ordered from HMV’s digital catalogue, customers will then be able to store their purchased items into an online locker to play on Android or Apple phones.
The app is the first non-iTunes-based digital music app to be made available on Apple.
HMV are also working on a revamp of their website, which is due to launch sometime next week. This will allow customers to buy and listen to music on a range of other platforms.
Paul McGowan, the CEO of Hilco Capital – the company who bought HMV out of administration – and chairman of HMV, said: “HMV’s position at the heart of entertainment retail demands that we enable customers to buy their music from HMV in the way that best suits them and to engage more closely with the music, video and gaming worlds”.
HMV’s new app and online store is in response to statistics last year claiming that 30 per cent of music sold in the UK was downloaded. Analysts at Conlumino predict nearly half of all music bought in the UK (45 per cent) will be downloaded.
In addition to the new app and online store, McGowan said HMV will be stepping up the number of live events in store, and revitalising its YouTube channel.
Hilco’s will be looking to repeat the success they’ve had so far with HMV Canada, which it bought several years ago.
So good luck to HMV and their new look, making a welcome return to the UK high st.
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