Doug Putman: Last News

More than 10,000 workers have been thrown into an uncertain situation after a deal that could have saved Wilko fell through.

A second last-minute bid has been launched to save stricken retailer Wilko, according to reports.

27 HMV branches to close in February 2019, after the company fell into administration. The brand was later rescued from collapse by Canadian music entrepreneur, Doug Putman.Following its closure, the historic site, which launched the brand in 1021, was converted into one of the many American Candy stores that popped up throughout the city at the start of the pandemic.Now, the famous location is set to return later this year and will be rebranded with the company’s new design.

HMV's iconic Oxford Street flagship store is mounting a surprise comeback. 

HMV has announced that it’s getting back into the record label game, launching 1921 Records and signing its first artist, India Arkin.Arkin was apparently spotted when she played an in-store at HMV in Newcastle earlier this year, and is described as a cross between Laura Marling and Billie Eilish. That in-store performance was part of the music retailer’s Live & Local programme, which has seen more than 1000 grassroots artists play in HMV shops since the start of the year.The musician’s debut album, ‘Home Truths’, is set to be released as part of HMV’s National Album Day activity on 15 Oct.

National Album Day 2022 on October 15. It’ll be available exclusively on vinyl in HMV stores across the UK and online.

Ed Sheeran has confirmed that he will be performing a free 700-person capacity gig for his fans to enjoy.

Record Store Day celebrations in the UK.The chain of record stores, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, have yet to be involved in the UK’s annual celebration of independent record stores, though they do take part in a similar celebration in Canada.“As an independently owned chain of stores, we would love to play a part in Record Store Day in the UK,” HMV owner Doug Putman told Music Week in a new feature celebrating 100 years in the business.HMV’s Managing Director Phil Halliday added: “There are plenty of areas in the UK where our participation in Record Store Day would be advantageous to those people, because we’ve got stores in a lot of places where there aren’t independent shops.“I think it would be great for the