HMV bids to bring cinemas back to High Street
Retail firm HMV will today launch a bid to bring cinemas back to the high street, not just the multiplex.
The firm, best known for its CD and DVD sales, is opening its first arthouse-style boutique cinema in south west London and aims to roll them out across the UK.
HMV has teamed up with independent movie firm Curzon Artificial Eye to trial the concept in Wimbledon, opening today, which they hope will be an alternative to out-of-town complexes.
The firms have created three screens – with 70 to 100 seats – above an existing branch. If successful, there will be further cinemas if there is enough space that can be converted from storage or retail space at some of HMV’s 280 stores.
It also marks a move away from just retail to the company’s aim to create cultural “hubs”.
The firms will also weigh up whether there is likely to be demand for the independent and World Cinema films for which Curzon AE is already known at its London branches.
HMV chief executive officer Simon Fox said: “It’s a sad fact that many independent High Street cinemas have had to close down over the years in the face of fierce competition from edge-of-town multiplexes.
“Of course, such cinema offers have their place, especially for mainstream blockbuster action films, but so do cinemas that specialise in independent films that are located right in the heart of local communities.”
“This initiative is also important as it signals a transforming moment in the overall HMV business, as we accelerate the process of moving our stores away from being retail outlets for CDs, DVD and games software to becoming engaging entertainment hubs for popular culture in a much wider sense.”
Films such as 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' and 'Fantastic Mr Fox' are among the first films to be shown. Other upcoming movies include 'An Education' and 'Nowhere Boy', the story of John Lennon’s early life.
