Supermarkets to swoop for HMV stores?

Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are reportedly eyeing HMV outlets as a potential way to expand their own store counts.

Earlier this week, restructuring firm Hilco acquired 120m of HMV’s debt, giving it control of the company. However, reports suggest Hilco only wants half of HMV’s 230 stores, meaning up to 115 could be up for grabs.

The Guardian reports that Morrisons could buy as many as 20 of these branches of HMV if administrators Deloitte choose to sell them off. The stores would no doubt be added to the grocer’s M Local chain.

Meanwhile Tesco and Sainsbury’s have also been identified as potential buyers of HMV sites, although neither firm has commented.

Asda currently does not operate any stores less than 750 sq metres in size, and is therefore thought to be less interested in buying branches.

Most supermarkets are trying to expand their small store chains after sales in outlets such as Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local rose 4.6 per cent in 2012.