HMV IS BACK IN PETERBOROUGH

"This is for everyone" - Natasha Wright, Manager of HMV Peterborough.

It's been 6 years 9 months and 15 or so days*, but finally Peterborough has an HMV back in the city centre! (*not that we've been counting or anything)

The 'new' HMV opened in Queensgate opened on Friday November 21 with over 100 people queuing outside, waiting patiently for the shutters to rise up.

Customers of all ages were amongst the first to explore the latest music, vinyl, films, collectibles, merch, books, record players and more.

ESP was right there with them and this is one shop opening day we simply had to be there for.

Manager, Natasha Wright had a big smile on her face when we spoke to her, standing proudly in front of one of her favourite parts of the store – the HMV wall of vinyl.

It's next to the K-Pop section which proved very popular on the opening day.

"Not all of our stores have a dedicated area, but as you can see it's sold really well," Natasha told us.

The new HMV employs 12 members of staff so the return of HMV is good news for them too, especially those who we spoke to who were between jobs, and those who left other roles because they were passionate about music.

We were also pleased to see that Connor from Hampton (who'd lost his job when the old store closed in 2019) in amongst the new staff.

Meanwhile Adam told us he was 13 when the old store closed and he'd gone from being a customer then, to a member of staff now as he's a big fan of Hip-Hop and picked out one of his favourite albums to show us.

Colleagues Amy and Adam also picked out some of their faves so if you're ever in need of a recommendation, just as before HMV staff know the score.

Music's been such a mainstay of ESP Magazine since we launched across Peterborough in December 1998. Robbie Williams was our first cover star then, Anne-Marie is our latest and we're constantly championing the local scene, gigs, events and those that make it happen!

When we spoke to manager Natasha Wright  together with being "surprised and thrilled" at customers response to the return of HMV, she told us of her plans to embrace the local music scene... so watch this space!

Until then, whether you're shopping for yourself or something to get a friend or loved one for Christmas, HMV in Queensgate has you covered.

Just head in and take a look!

Photos: Marc Hernandez