HMV is in talks with apparel retailers and brands with a view to ramping up its clothing offer, as it continues looking beyond its traditional categories to increase revenue.

HMV’s existing clothing lines include entertainment-related t-shirts and hoodies, and the retailer has said in the past these ranges are selling well.

HMV had been in talks with fashion retailer Topman, although it is thought no deal has been struck. A spokeswoman for Topman owner Arcadia confirmed meetings have been held with HMV but added: “Nothing has been confirmed.”

At HMV’s flagship on London’s Oxford Street, the singles and reggae categories have been scaled back to make room for more entertainment-related clothing. More racks of t-shirts have been added and it has also installed floating display stands.

One worker in the store said this week the range had grown “significantly” and that there has been a “complete expansion of the range”.

It is unclear as yet whether HMV wants to expand its own clothing lines or wants to pull in fashion concessions.

Arcadia-owned Topman is also diversifying, having teamed up with iconic music retailer Rough Trade to start selling CDs at its flagship Oxford Street store in September. HMV declined to comment.

As Retail Week went to press, HMV chief executive Simon Fox had emerged as a frontrunner to become the new boss of broadcaster ITV.

Topics