I was very much behind the curve on this one, and it was only through my friend Sue that I first heard the news ….the HMV store in the Bentals Centre, Kingston was back!
Sue turned out to be absolutely right – as you can see, it is very much alive and kicking here on the second floor of the Bentals Centre:
All seems very different to the events outlined in my post ‘Going, going …gone?’ of 12th March 2019 – six years ago, some failed leasing negotiations caused the Kingston Branch of HMV to close its doors, and all the signs were that it was gone for good.
I was pretty gutted at the time – for me, Kingston HMV was the go-to source for CDs, Videos (yep, I had been going to this place for years!), not to mention DVDs. My weekly visits had become an integral part of my life for as long as I could remember.
There was also no other store in my locale that could offer the equivalent variety and selection of music and films – Kingston HMV was sorely missed!
Things weren’t totally unfamiliar on entry to the newly reopened HMV store – those CDs were still on sale, but in reduced volume – Vinyl records now seemed to be king in respect of the preferred musical medium of choice.
The range of DVDs looked to have been reduced to the more main stream films, but they had been joined by the newish kids on the block, the Blu-ray and 4K Discs.
I’ll admit, as I approached the counter to make my first post-reopening Blu-ray purchase, I did get a bit of a ‘home coming’ feeling! It was all good though.
What surprised me was how low-key the re-opening of the Kingston HMV branch was.
Sue wasn’t sure of the exact date when Kingston HMV arose Phoenix-like from the retail ashes.
A bit of maxi-googling uncovered a local press report which revealed the planned HMV Bentals Centre return as being in ‘late November 2024’, which was the closest I got to finding an actual date.
If it did re-open in late November last year, it looks as if I wasn’t that far behind the curve after all!
Roy's Weblog 
Super cool! I’m like you, I love the return of little things that I like ! It’s a small victory somewhere…
Bonne soirèe de la part d’un ami de France Royiiiii
Hi Tony, and a Bon Jour to you out there in France! Where about are you? I’ve been to Paris a few times a while back – it really agreed with me!
When HMV closed back in 2019 it was as if part of my child hood died! You hit the nail on the head about the ‘return of the little things’.
I am in Tours, the valley of the Chateaux de la Loire (region VAL DE LOIRE). Here it is a very feudal society Royii, we have a very strong Franco-British culture with our history … Yes I’m like you, I like to see our little pleasures return… Melancholy when you hold us!
PS/ Little wink, I like the English position now, I recognize all the courage of the British society. I love it !
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Dear Royi, I can almost understand your (for me it is) excitement, because when one of my best music store closed, I was so sad… For a long time I was knowing and visiting this small store (not as yours) but I could fine whatever I looked for. The owner was a nice one and always found me my music CDs, etc. Especially for this music store I was going to the other side of the city. (across the Bosphorus)… I am so glad for you. It is same for my bookstores too… Most of them closed. Now I order from internet… Not being same to buy in a bookstore… Dear Royi, I am happy you shared with us. Thank you, have a nice evening and day for Tomorrow. Love, nia
Hi Nia. I had been buying music and films from this store since childhood, so it was a real shame when it closed in 2019. It’s great to have it back though. I have been luckier with the book store I use – this has been around for years in the Bental Centre, and I usually pop in when I’m in Kingston. It’s a shame that you have to buy your books on the Internet.
Exactly… I love to touch and to open the book.. I like their smells too.. I am so glad to to share same thoughts with you, even the difference of generation between us. Thank you dear Royi, have a nice day, Love, nia
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A high five back to you, los-endos! Don’t know how to do emojis on the replies yet …
Anyways, you got what you needed!
The transition to 4K quality of videos & better sound quality is quick & real.
You can visit them again whenever you want.
Yep, I’m a a Blu-ray/4K convert too, Loku.
Your post reminds me of my childhood.
I heard Bollywood songs when they were being played at my house. Now I have developed a connection with music.
It’s surprising how deep those early connections run, Loku.
Thanks for your like of my post, ” Jews Regathered – Introduction;” you are very kind.
No problem , Eternity.
Thank you.
Some places are more than just shops—they’re like old songs that remind you who you were. HMV coming back feels like finding your favorite jacket in the back of the closet. A little worn, but still perfect. In a world rushing toward digital everything, there’s something powerful about flipping through vinyl or holding a Blu-ray in your hand. It’s like shaking hands with a memory. Quiet comebacks like this remind us: not everything has to shout to be strong. Some things return softly, but they still carry a punch.
I kniow what you mean, Kalyanasundaram Kalimuthu – those memories form part of the old childhood landscape.
It’s wonderful to read your post about the reopening of the HMV store, you really managed to convey the sense of nostalgia and excitement that comes with the return of something that was long missed. We all have those places we miss, and your description of Kingston HMV as an oasis of music and films brings out the true emotion. The way you combined memories with the present moment is fantastic, and it’s clear how much this reopening means to you. It seems that nostalgia always comes back, even when we think something is gone forever. Great post!
Thanks myrelar! I am always surprised at how much these places come to mean to me!
Ah! There is a god.
Wise words, spwilcen!
Thanks for your like of my post, ” Jews Regathered – Ezekiel Chapter 1;” you are very kind.
No problem, Eternity.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your kindness
An effort to good return of our favorite things….
Spot on, aruna3!
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Thanks for your like of my post, “Jews Regathered – Ezekiel Chapter 8;” you are very kind.
No problem, Eternity.
I appreciate you very much
“You’re a special person and truly creative in your posts. I hope you visit my website, interact, and subscribe, because I’ll be sharing many amazing things in both Arabic and English — so people from all around the world can understand.”
Thanks Assil. I will definitley be visiting your site.
Reminds me of Virgin Megastore. Find memories of my first one I visited in Paris in the early 90s where I bought letterboxed VHS edition of Star Wars trilogy. Then 10 years later some DVDs in the London branch. In between I considered buying LD player but I read online about upcoming new format so I decided to wait. I have a decent DVD collection.
Because of too many house and country moves I decided to stop collecting physical media. I do have a fond nostalgic memory browsing the media aisles.
Hi Uri. I remember Virgin Mega Stores! There was one here in Kingston quite a few years back which was a rival to HMV. Can’t quite remember why they closed down …
I bought a DVD boxset of the Star Wars Trilogy too – it was just of the original three films, and they were ‘remastered’.
You are right about Physical Media – it doesn’t half build up fast!
Star Wars had so many home video releases I lost count a while ago. 😅
You are right, Yuri! They seemed to wheel a new release out at least once a year!
Interesting post! I’m glad to see HMV is back, even though things have changed. It’s nice to see the store return, albeit in a slightly different format.
Thanks myrelar. HMV’s return was welcome after a six year hiatus.
Good Morning Dear Roy, Have a nice day, Thank you for visiting my blog, Love, nia
A belated good morning and good day to you too, Nia. Absolutely no problem!
Thanks! A real bomb!
https://webdidacticanova-blogspot-com.translate.goog/2025/04/jocuri-de-cuvinte-bomba.html?_x_tr_sl=ro&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ro&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Thanks, Nitu!
Thanks for your like of my post, “Jews Regathered – Ezekiel Chapter 20;” you are very kind.
Anytime, Eternity.
Thank you
Roy!! We are getting older!! Haha!! Things are marketed for the younger generation. ^^
You definitely have a point, Samantha! The HMV marketing is probably not targeted at old duffers like my good self!
XDXD They USED to but the demographics have changed.
Thanks for your like of my post, “Ezekiel 23;” you are very kind.
Just a gift in some languages…
Cadoul zilei: Jocuri de cuvinte – sânge
(în limbile română, engleză, franceză, germană, rusă și maghiară)
https://cronopedia.ning.com/profiles/blogs/jocuri-de-cuvinte-sange
Appreciated
Thanks, Swamigolkoli Astrology!
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Thanks very much, thechristiantechnerd! l have to learn how to use emojis in replies! 🙂
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Thanks for your like of my post, “Jews’ Distress -2;” you are very kind.
No problem, Eternity!
Nice read