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Posted by James W. Coates May 29, 2008 |
With the accessibility of online music and the sloping decline in music sales, Canadian CD retail chains such as HMV have had to change rapidly or face extinction.
HMV, has managed to stay afloat while the music industry figures out how to cope by diversifying its product line.
Years ago, customers walking into an HMV store spent hours browsing the racks for the latest and catalogue CDs from Armin Van Buuren, Alanis Morissette and George Michael, but in recent years the focus has shifted to DVDs, and then music accessories such as iPods and other portable music devices, magazines and recordable media.
Now, as the chain closes in on its 20th anniversary in the country, HMV attempts a new model that will include cell phones and computers alongside CDs, DVDs and iPods.
The Canadian Press announced that customers will be allowed to surf entertainment and social networking sites in store on assigned computers, something the Apple Store has been doing for years. The makeover will occur gradually in the chain’s 20 stores across the country.
HMV is also re-working its website to become more information based and less sales-focused. “Purchasing product online is no longer being offered,” reads a note posted on HMV’s website. “The overwhelming majority of our customers have told us [ ] that they prefer to use the website for information, and if or when they opt to purchase product from HMV, their preferred choice is to visit their local HMV retail location.”
There was no mention as to when these online changes will come fully into effect.
HMV celebrates its 20th year in Canada on June 17 and plans in-store performances and prize giveaways.