HMV 'would be huge loss'

STAFF at Scunthorpe's HMV only learned the company's future was in doubt when they heard it on the news, the Telegraph understands.

Shoppers and traders have expressed fears for the impact its possible closure would have on the town centre after the company revealed administrators had been appointed.

The store, located in The Parishes, is one of 238 facing potential closure if a buyer is not found by administrators Deloitte LLP.

The Telegraph understands staff at the Scunthorpe store did not hear the news until it was broken in the press and have not been told what their future holds.

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Roughly 4,500 jobs could be at risk nationwide, although the number affected in Scunthorpe could not be confirmed by administrators.

Neighbouring businesses say they are worried about the prospect of losing the store.

Les Carter, manager of clothing shop Xited, based next door to HMV, said: "I think it would be quite bad if it closed. In a way it would be like TJ Hughes closing, because not as many people will come to this part of town.

"Footfall would suffer and it could have a serious effect on business. Every store that closes means fewer people coming into the town centre."

Katy Layton, manager of Shoe Zone, opposite HMV, said: "It is a big name in the town centre. If it goes then this part of Scunthorpe will get even quieter.

"If it closes, it could cause business confidence to drop quite a bit.

"People buy this sort of thing online now and I think that is the reason the company is in this situation."

David Redmile, owner of Cindy's Accessories in the town centre, said: "It would be a huge shame if it were to close. For me personally, I am always buying music from there.

"You get the knowledge of the staff when buying things, which you can't get online.

"If it closes it will be a huge loss to the town centre."

Tony Pickering, The Parishes Shopping Centre manager, added: "We haven't received any official notification from HMV regarding their store at The Parishes, although we are very disappointed and saddened by the news in the media."

Administrators are set to continue to trade while they seek a purchaser for the business.

Shoppers were also worried.

Carla Breviglieri, 23, from Scunthorpe, said: "I would be gutted if it closed, because I use it a lot online and in Scunthorpe.

"It would be a huge blow to the town centre because it is the main place for music and entertainment goods. I will be really upset if it closes and I'm becoming increasingly annoyed at losing big names from the town centre."

Kelly Pell, 18, another shopper from Scunthorpe, said: "I know people that work in the Scunthorpe store and I think it would be missed.

"But the internet has taken over when it comes to buying these things."