HMV OPENS VAULT 

British retailer HMV is opening what's said to be Europe's largest dedicated entertainment store, the hmv Vault, in the midlands city of Birmingham. The news arrives after a number of closures last year, including its flagship London base on Oxford Street.

The Birmingham store, situated close to the city's centre at Dale End, will occupy 25k square feet of space and is due to open in mid-October. Music, film, merch and tech products will be on sale, and a permanent stage area and PA sound system will host weekly in-store performances, signing sessions and other events.

The hmv Vault arrives in time for the retailer's 100th anniversary in 2021, and "represents an enduring commitment to providing the best entertainment offer on the high street and online, forming an important focus for activity around the up and coming centenary."

After being bought out of administration by Sunrise Records last year, 27 HMV and Fopp stores have closed across the country with 114 remaining open.