THE Southport branch of struggling record store chain HMV is being closed by administrators.
Deloitte said today that another 37 stores would close in the next four to six weeks, leading to another 464 redundancies. The company said it would try to relocate staff to other stores where possible.
The latest move follows Deloitte’s announcement earlier this month that 66 stores, including those in Birkenhead, Speke, St Helens and Warrington, were closing.
The chain now has 116 shops, including one in Liverpool One.
The store closures come after 60 staff were let go by Deloitte across HMV's head office network at Eastcastle Street in London, Marlow and Solihull nearly two weeks ago - including former HMV boss Trevor Moore.
Around 190 jobs had previously been cut by Deloitte in the chain’s head offices and distribution centres.
Nick Edwards, joint administrator at Deloitte, said the decision to shut the stores was made to “enhance the prospects of the restructured business continuing as a going concern”.
He added: “We are extremely grateful to the staff for their continued strong support and commitment during an understandably difficult period.
“All other key stakeholders including suppliers and landlords remain supportive and we appreciate their ongoing assistance.”
HMV collapsed into administration last month, but Deloitte said last week that sale discussions were “progressing” as it also announced it had secured stock from most of its suppliers that will see it continue to sell the latest blockbusters and music releases.
It said trading agreements had been put in place so stock could be replenished and it will be able to sell new hits, including the latest James Bond film Skyfall.
Restructuring firm Hilco – the group behind HMV Canada – has already bought the company’s debt in a move that has raised hopes of a rescue deal.
HMV had more than 220 stores and 4,120 staff when it hit the wall in January after failing to keep pace with internet rivals and supermarkets, whose scale has enabled them to offer CDs and DVDs at cheaper prices.
