The revitalization of HMV in Cork is a story filled with surprises and sparks curiosity—especially because many believed the iconic music retailer had phased out of Irish high streets altogether. But here's where it gets controversial: HMV is making a triumphant return to Cork City after more than ten years away, signaling a bold statement about the staying power of physical music media amid digital dominance.
This comeback is set to happen with a new store opening in the Merchants Quay area, strategically timed to coincide with the bustling Christmas shopping season. The deal, negotiated by Lia Dennehy and Daire Brennan from Savills, with legal support from Daniel Murphy of Bannon representing HMV, involves a lease agreement for a decade. The annual rent for the space is €90,000, reflecting a significant investment into the city’s retail scene.
The location itself is in a 3,000 square-foot unit, previously occupied by Dealz—an inexpensive retailer that closed earlier this year. Now, this spot will become Cork’s newest record shop, with doors expected to open just next week. Interestingly, only two other units along the mall remain vacant, near the newly opened Jo Brown luxury store. Savills is actively in talks with potential tenants for these spaces, hinting at a vibrant future for this shopping district.
Dennehy and Brennan expressed their enthusiasm about the new addition, emphasizing how exciting it is to see an international brand like HMV re-enter the Cork market. This move aligns with HMV’s broader European expansion plans, which include recent store openings in the UK and the Netherlands. In Ireland, they also reopened their Dublin branch earlier this year and launched a store in Limerick last year.
This strategic expansion reflects a broader confidence in the enduring appeal of physical media—particularly vinyl records—despite the surge of digital music, streaming services, and ecommerce. HMV’s focus on prime retail locations demonstrates their belief that there is still a dedicated audience for in-store music shopping.
And it’s not just HMV that’s holding onto its physical roots. Rival retailer Golden Discs has also weathered the digital music boom. Having remained at the historic Savoy Cinema site on St. Patrick’s Street since 2013, after taking over from the original HMV, Golden Discs continues to thrive. They briefly operated a smaller outlet at Mahon Point Shopping Centre from 2015 until early 2020, but that closed due to pandemic challenges.
HMV’s Managing Director, Phil Halliday, reaffirmed the company’s ongoing focus on expanding within Ireland and Europe, particularly in locations where retail expansion makes sound business sense. Currently, HMV facilitates international delivery orders to Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany, with plans to broaden this service in the future.
The brand’s historical roots run deep—its flagship store on St. Patrick’s Street, established in the early 1990s during the height of CD and DVD sales, was more than just a shop; it was a cultural landmark. It hosted numerous signings, album launches, and live events, cementing its place in Cork’s musical and social fabric.
So, as we see HMV return to Cork, it’s worth asking: Does the physical music shop still have a place in a world dominated by digital convenience? Or is this just a nostalgic echo in a rapidly changing retail landscape? Join the conversation and share your thoughts—do you believe this resurgence signifies a lasting trend or a fleeting revival?
