As part of its attempts to amplify its presence in the retail music scene, HMV is launching a store museum in the Shinjuku region of Tokyo, Japan.
Recently, HMV opened a retro-inspired store and will offer about 70,000 mostly used records for purchase, as well as a collection of more than 20,000 CDs. Although it may seem like a strange move for a modern music chain to get into the sales of retro music equipment, many young recording artists in Japan are turning to records and other analog formats as a way to put their work out into the world.
The 'HMV Museum' exhibit will support this space, featuring a selection of works by 'EBiDAN,' a group of artists who moonlight as actors and celebrities.
Museums are now being commonly launched by retail brands as a way to appeal to different consumer segments across pop culture.
Music Store Museums
HMV's Store Museum in Japan Showcases the Work of 'EBiDAN'
Trend Themes
1. Retail Museum Experiences - Brands are launching museum exhibits as a way to engage with consumers and showcase their brand identity outside of traditional retail spaces.
2. Retro Music Resurgence - The popularity of retro music formats, such as vinyl records, presents opportunities for brands to cater to the growing demand and engage with a niche market.
3. Artistic-celebrity Collaborations - Collaborations between artists and celebrities can create unique and immersive museum experiences, attracting a wide range of fans and enthusiasts.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retail brands can explore the concept of museum exhibits to create memorable and interactive experiences that go beyond traditional shopping.
2. Music - The resurgence of retro music formats provides opportunities for music retailers to tap into niche markets and offer unique products and experiences.
3. Entertainment - Collaborations between artists and celebrities in museum exhibits can attract fans from both the music and entertainment industries, creating cross-promotion and engagement opportunities.