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Positive step for Town Centre 11/07/2008

MUSIC giant HMV will give a major shopping boost to Worthing town centre by opening one of its "Next Generation" stores in the Montague Centre.
Workmen are busy fitting out the former Music Zone premises, and the result will be a radical, hi-tech change from the old concept of just selling music albums and DVDs.

The opening date is likely to be late August.

HMV's arrival was greeted by town centre manager Sharon Clarke as "great news, especially when everybody is talking about a credit crunch".

The new store will operate a ground-floor trading area of about 4,000 sq.ft., and will employ eight to 10 staff, although this figure will increase at peak periods, such as Christmas.

HMV says it will stock a wide selection of CDs, DVDs and games across all artistes and genres, as well as an extensive range of personal technology products, such as iPod players and accessories, and "cool stuff", including artist merchandising and popular culture books, calendars and posters.

Next Generation

The store's "Next Generation" style represents HMV's future retail blueprint.

This includes download kiosks in the near future, a games live play "hub" and other multi-channel features.

HMV says the state-of-the art design aims to create a "social space" that customers of all ages will want to visit and spend time in.

Company spokesman Gennaro Castaldo told the Herald this week: "We're very excited about opening up one of our 'Next Generation' stores in Worthing.

"We are looking forward to the launch late next month, when we hope to have an artiste to officially open the new store for us.

"We trust the store will offer the widest and best selection of music, films and games in an engaging retail environment.

"Our HR and store manager will be looking to recruit locally, and anyone interested is welcome to visit www.hmvcareers.co.uk for more information."

Sharon Clarke added: "It shows that HMV has a lot of faith in Worthing. It shows that Worthing has something to offer, with HMV willing to invest in the town at a very difficult time."

Story - thanks to Worthing Herald

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