The head of struggling UK entertainment group HMV today vowed to press on with plans to overhaul its technology offering as he reported another plunge in sales over the summer.
HMV chief executive Simon Fox said the first six "Fast Forward" stores - where up to 25% of floor space is devoted to gadgets such as iPods and tablet computers - recorded a doubling in like-for-like sales in the 18 weeks to September 3.
Mr Fox said HMV would this month continue to roll out these space changes at the majority of the retailer's 150 stores after unveiling a 15.1% decline in like-for-like sales across the HMV Retail network.
Elsewhere, HMV, which earlier this year sold book chain Waterstone's and HMV Canada in order to seal a deal with its lenders, saw a 19.4% drop in total group sales, which includes its concert arm HMV Live.
The results cap a poor week for UK retailers after Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group, PC World and Currys parent Dixons Retail and chocolatier Thorntons all revealed falling sales amid a tough consumer environment.
HMV is making a substantial investment in promoting its Fast Forward stores as it battles to reverse declining sales in the run-up to Christmas.
The new format, which will be promoted in and out of stores under the "Play it, touch it, live it" strapline, could be seen as a risk as consumer electronics retailers such as Dixons Retail and Comet owner Kesa have struggled this year.
Mr Fox added: "Overall our plans for the Christmas trading period are on track and we are focused on providing HMV customers with the very best offers across all of our product categories and live venues."
HMV, which is closing up to 60 stores in a bid to make £10m of cost savings, said it had closed 29 stores in the 18-week period.
The group reported a slump in profits in the year to April 30 to £2.6m from £67.3m as sales deteriorated throughout the year. The sale of Waterstone's and HMV Canada raised the group £55m and ensured a £220m refinancing deal with its lending banks.
