A POPULAR high street name is shutting its doors for good in Oxford today.
HMV on Cornmarket Street is closing after its landlord refused to renew the lease, leaving loyal devastated.
The iconic and store, a staple of city centre for 30 years, confirmed the closure is happening today.
The shop, based inside the Clarendon Centre, has been hit by the site's major redevelopment, which isn't due to finish until 2029.
Bosses at HMV said they had “no intention to stop serving our loyal customers in Oxford” and are actively looking for a new location nearby.
They urged landlords and agents with available units to get in touch as soon as possible.
Shoppers have been left heartbroken by the news.
One fan said: “Oxford is becoming a shell of its former self.”
Another simply called the closure “gutting,” while others shared memories of browsing CDs, vinyl and merchandise over the years.
Staff at the store have now been told they are at risk of redundancy, adding to the wave of high street across the country.
HMV has battled hard to survive in recent years.
The retailer first collapsed into administration in 2013, leading to widespread store closures.
It was rescued but fell into administration again in 2018, before being bought by firm Sunrise Records in early 2019.
Since then, HMV has rebuilt its footprint and now operates more than 100 stores across the UK.
However, rising costs and rate changes have forced the chain to pause further UK expansion for now, instead focusing on new openings in and .
Despite the Oxford closure, HMV is still showing signs of life, making a triumphant return to its famous Oxford Street flagship in London last year, four years after its previous closure there.
HMV's closure is just the latest blow to Britain's struggling shopping streets.
Beales, one of the UK's oldest department stores, is shutting its final shop in Poole after more than 140 years.
The company has launched a huge closing down sale with up to 70 per cent off , gifts and furniture.
Meanwhile, is in the process of shutting around 100 shops across the UK, blaming rising costs and changing shopping habits.
Stores in Gateshead, and have already launched closing sales.
London isn't being spared either, as gift shop favourite Huttons will close its Putney Exchange store due to soaring.
Despite the closure in Oxford, HMV is still pressing ahead with expansion plans elsewhere.
The brand, which bounced back from administration four years ago, is preparing to move back into its famous Oxford Street Flagship store in London.
