Books and music retailer HMV Media Group today posted like-for-like sales growth over the key Christmas trading period of 8.2%. In the five weeks to January 6, comparable sales were up 9% while those at Waterstone's book outlets were up 5.9%.
'We are pleased to report and excellent Christmas for the group, including improved trading at Waterstone's,' Chief Executive Alan Giles said in a statement.
He said HMV had benefited from strong music releases in the UK and rapid growth in the DVD market world-wide. HMV Europe had done particularly well, relecting further market gains in both music and video. He added that e-commerce sales continued to show strong growth, albeit from a small base.
HMV, which is 43% owned by EMI Group Plc, with a similar percentage owned by US venture capital fund Advent International, said comparable sales in the second quarter grew by 3%.
