Nine jobs at risk as Leamington HMV to close in January

Following a tip-off, the Courier contacted the chain’s head office and it was confirmed that the branch in the Royal Priors will cease trading on January 25.

Steve West, HMV’s human resources director, told the Courier: “The HMV Leamington store will cease trading on 25th January 2014, as we have not been able to agree appropriate terms with the landlord, despite our best endeavours.

“Nine members of staff working at HMV Leamington are now in consultation as we attempt to re-deploy those affected to alternate stores if possible.

“HMV would like to take this opportunity to pass on our sincere thanks to all of our customers in Leamington for their support over the years and to thank the team in the HMV store for their contribution and dedication.”

The shop had been close to closing earlier this year, In February, the branch was listed by administrators Deloitte as being among 66 stores due to close in the next two months and the store held a ‘closing down’ sale with large discounts on most of its stock.

But restructuring firm Hilco entered into talks with landlords in the hope of saving 140 of ths company’s 220 shops and Leamington’s was saved, with posters being put up in the shop’s window stating that it was ‘here to stay’ and that ‘normal service will resume shortly’.

But in recent weeks, a source told the Courier that in January this year, the Royal Priors offered HMV 12 months rent-free to prevent them closing, but now that the 12 months is over, the company still cannot afford the rents.