hmv Crawley reopening: This is what to expect from the new store

The store has been completely redesigned and there is a great range of vinyl, dvds, cds, clothing, Funko products, merchandise and pop culture for all cultural tastes.

This branch has really taken the concept of a record store to new heights as hmv want to provide a space for local artists to express themselves, but to also offer somewhere for young people to hang out- which is helped by the arcade machines that are free to use.

hmv Crawley wants to build a hub where people and organisations can collaborate and use the shop space to create art. The store is already collaborating with groups such as Creative Crawley and Manor Green College.

The business has retained some staff from the previous store and will look to employ local people.

Store Manager Chris Greensted said: “It’s really great to be back. I worked in the old store before, it’s a great town and had a great time here. It’s going to be good to be reopened with a different image.

“The store will feel a bit familiar. We’ve got records, music, visual stuff which is our core but we’ve adapted a bit to manage the challenges of retail with a lot of pop culture products, so we’re really excited to showcase that to you. You will be able to check out what’s changed and what is familiar.

“Everybody that we have hired has been from Crawley, and mostly grown up in the area as well. I’m from Horsham and grew up in that area. I worked in the old store myself and we’ve got one staff member who worked in the store when it closed and is due to return.

“A lot of our staff have worked in retail in the area before, so we know some regular customers who we are excited to see again and we are looking forward to welcoming new customers.

“We are planning to open this Friday at 9am and we will be giving away goodie bags to the first 25 customers who make a purchase. So get in the queue beforehand as there is some great stuff in the goodie bags.

“There will be a fun atmosphere and we are hoping to have some live music booked in for Friday’ but we definitely have some for Saturday.

“It will be exciting to be back open and have a really good atmosphere.”

See more: VIDEO: hmv Crawley prepares to re-open its store this Friday and the first 25 customers will receive a free goodie bag, hmv confirms Crawley return - here is all you need to know, hmv Crawley wants to hear from local musicians and artists as they prepare for new store opening

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