HMV returns with pop-ups in Mississauga and Burlington, Ontario
Published January 31, 2024 at 1:47 pm
HMV music shops left town in 2017 but they are back…as a pop-up.
The iconic brand which had shops across Canada and around the world will be located in Toys “R” Us stores at various locations in the GTA including Mississauga and Burlington.
A spokesperson for the Burlington store on 3051 Appleby Line says the pop-up is already stocked and in place.
“It’s here and people seemed to like it,” the spokesperson said. “It has been doing really well.”
Making its return to shelves are vinyl records, CDs and t-shirts, much of what you would expect from a record store that flourished in the 1980s and 1980s before music streaming changed listening habits.
All the merchandise in the pop-up will carry the HMV label.
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While HMV was a major player in the music merchandising business back in the day, many feel their absence left a gap in the record-buying business and their return to Canada is no coincidence.
Doug Putman, the operator of Toys “R” Us Canada, also owns the HMV brand and he has long hinted of a return, at least in this country.
As such, these pop-up shops may just be the beginning as other locations in Ontario may soon be carrying HMV products.
Along with the Burlington store, participating Toys “R” Us locations in Mississauga include those at 3150 Argentia Rd. and 4559 Hurontario St. Stores in Brantford and Pickering are also stocking the branded items.
HMV has also made a return in the U.K. where shops have re-opened in a number of cities.