The administrators of HMV have released its list of planned closures of stores – and Watford is losing out.

In a list containing its music stores at Westfield and Oxford Street, HMV at the intu centre is poised for closure.

HMV has been acquired out of administration by Canadian retailer Sunrise Records, safeguarding the future of nearly 1,500 staff by Canadian record retailer, Sunrise.

However, 27 unprofitable stores will close with immediate effect, resulting in 455 redundancies.

The store's current administrator, KPMG, will retain a further 122 employees at warehouse functions to assist in winding down operations.

Mr Putman said: "We are delighted to acquire the most iconic music and entertainment business in the UK and add nearly 1,500 employees to our growing team.

"By catering to music and entertainment lovers, we are incredibly excited about the opportunity to engage customers with a diverse range of physical format content and replicate our success in Canada.

"We know the physical media business is here to stay and we greatly appreciate all the support from the suppliers, landlords, employees and, most importantly, our customers."

Will Wright, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said: "We are pleased to confirm this sale which, after a complex process, secures the continued trading of the majority of the business.

"Our immediate concern is now to support those employees that have unfortunately been made redundant."

The stores are closing in 27 locations across the country:

  • Ayr
  • Bath
  • Bluewater
  • Bristol, Cribbs
  • Chichester
  • Exeter, Princesshay
  • Fopp, Bristol
  • Fopp, Glasgow Byres
  • Fopp, Manchester
  • Fopp, Oxford
  • Glasgow, Braehead
  • Guernsey
  • Hereford
  • Manchester, Trafford
  • Merry Hill
  • Oxford Street
  • Peterborough, Queensgate
  • Plymouth, Drake Circus
  • Reading
  • Sheffield, Meadowhall
  • Southport
  • Thurrock
  • Tunbridge
  • Uxbridge
  • Watford
  • Westfield
  • Wimbledon