Nipper Goes Home

“Nipper is finally home,” said the sticker on the shop window, in reference to the HMV mascot, the famous white terrier depicted gazing into an Edison Bell cylinder phonograph.

The original store was opened in 1921 but closed 13 years ago, while HMV was recently bought out of receivership by Hilco, the restructuring company that had already bought its Canadian business.

The opening ceremony was carried out to the strains of “Land of Hope and Glory.”

Choosing a Sir Edward Elgar piece was also significant as he’d cut the tape when the original stores opened.

“The salvage of the old flagship store – closed in 2000 and, until recently, a branch of sports chain Footlocker – is a symbolic moment,” The Independent explained.

Hilco chief exec Paul McGowan says he wants 363 Oxford Street to be a showcase for the music industry.

The second floor is being refurbished with a stage and sound system to host live performances, book signings and other events.

Unfortunately the other larger store in Oxford Street will close.