Glimmer of hope, but HMV loses £31m

Music and book retailer HMV today offered a glimmer of hope on trading, despite racking up half-year losses of £31.8m (€47.4m).

The group, which owns the Waterstone’s chain, said its Christmas sales benefited from measures to combat recent difficult trading conditions, including a new pricing structure at HMV and moves to improve its online offer.