U.K. entertainment retail chain HMV is to join the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The move will be announced by BRC chairman Sir Geoff Mulcahy at the retail trade organization’s annual dinner tonight (Sept. 24). The BRC represents retailers who are responsible for 80% of U.K. retail spending.
“It is important that our industry unites behind a strong, single voice,” said HMV Group chief executive Simon Fox in a statement. “HMV Group is pleased to be joining the BRC as it has an excellent track record and the contacts to convey the realities of retail to politicians at every level.”
HMV U.K. and Ireland operates around 250 stores and there are a further 129 international stores in Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore. HMV Group also includes the Waterstone’s chain of booksellers, which has 313 stores.