HMV footfall jumps 12% as K-pop and collectibles lure Gen Z into stores

HMV and The Works are reportedly benefiting from surging demand for collectibles including K-pop CDs, trading cards and squishy toys as younger consumers increasingly head back to physical stores.
HMV said visitor numbers across its 114 UK stores jumped 12 per cent in the first half of the year compared with 2025, putting it on track to attract around 50m store visits during 2026.
It has revamped its shops since the pandemic to dedicate more space to pop culture merchandise, including collectibl