Consumer confidence at near two-year high as World Cup and UK holidaying lift summer spending Barclays says survey shows people feel more secure in jobs and have more leeway to spend on non-essentials The Guardian - UK · Aug 11
The ‘retro’ toys giving the British high street a much-needed boost British retailers are reporting a significant surge in demand for physical collectibles among young people, with squishy dumplings, trading cards, and K-Pop CDs being particularly popular. Music and entertainment retailer HMV saw a 12 per cent increase in visitor numbers during the first half of this year compared to 2025,… The Independent UK · Aug 10
Squishy Dumpling toys and Pokemon cards are bringing kids back to the high street Retailers are reporting more young people are turning to physical collectibles The Independent UK · Aug 9
Squishies and K-pop CDs: British retailers cash in on collectibles craze Retailers have said they are getting a boost from younger people spending their pocket money in shops. Evening Standard · Aug 9
4K Blu-ray fans, it's back — Arrow Video has knocked up to 50% off its discs at multiple retailers including Amazon and I've picked the top 6 discs I'd recommend Arrow Films is having a sale on its 4K Blu-rays, with up to 50% off some discs. Here are the 6 I'd pick, all of which we've tested here at TechRadar. TechRadar · Jul 7
Hundreds of fans line up outside Glasgow record shop to meet movie star Hundreds of fans braved the Glasgow rain and snaked along Argyle Street today as a Hollywood star drew huge queues outside HMV for a rare in-store… The National (Scotland) · Jun 1
One of our test room favourites is turning 40 – and there's a special treat coming for hardcore David Bowie fans Watch David Bowie in 4K glory What Hi-Fi? · Apr 29
HMV has discounted a ton of Arrow Films 4K Blu-rays for Easter — here are my 6 picks HMV has discounted tons of Arrow Video 4K Blu-rays for Easter, so I've picked my top 6 discs from the selection of titles on offer. TechRadar · Apr 2
3 of our favourite Oscar-nominated hits are about to come out on 4K Blu-ray Including one swanky steelbook What Hi-Fi? · Mar 26
16 brilliant Christmas gifts for gamers From Minecraft chess and coding for kids to retro consoles and Doom on vinyl for grown-ups – hit select and start with these original non-digital presents The Guardian - UK · Nov 25, 2025
The 18 must-have toys on every kid’s 2025 wishlist It’s never too early for the shopping-savvy. These are the toys most likely to spark joy, imagination, and a little festive magic this Christmas Evening Standard · Sep 14, 2025
Merch Madness: KPop Demon Hunters gear is flying off the shelves - here’s the best out there Netflix’s glitter-soaked series has bewitched a generation with its earworm anthems and high-kick heroics – here’s the merch to buy for its newfound superfans Evening Standard · Sep 5, 2025
The weird, wonderful world of 4K Blu-ray Steelbooks – the highs and lows of physical media special editions As a 4K Blu-ray fan, I've managed to avoid Steelbooks so far. But that might be about to change. TechRadar · Aug 22, 2025
Fancy some 90s nostalgia? These 7 amazing movies turn 30 this year Feeling old? Here are 7 films celebrating their 30th birthday this year. What Hi-Fi? · Mar 22, 2025
The Guardian - UK · Mar 6, 2025 HMV puts UK expansion on hold because of budget tax rises Retailer had hoped to open more stores in Britain in coming year but will do so in Ireland and Belgium instead
The Guardian - UK · Feb 1, 2025 ‘Dark and dingy’ or ‘a real loss’? Shoppers react to possible loss of WH Smith Stevenage is one of 500 UK towns where threatened closures will affect local retailers and the publishing trade
The Guardian - UK · Jan 27, 2025 WH Smith sale plan could turn some areas into ‘postal deserts’, says union Retailer operates 200 post offices and potential closures called ‘devastating, but sadly all too predictable’
The Guardian - UK · Dec 23, 2024 ‘I take karaoke seriously. I’ve got a good falsetto’: Asim Chaudhry’s honest playlist The actor and writer used to be obsessed with Michael Jackson and loves Teddy Pendergrass, but which rap banger does truly inhabit when passed the mic?
Evening Standard · Nov 11, 2024 From music to books: HMV to open literary space at flagship Oxford Street store From November 18 an entire floor of the shop will be dedicated to books and literary events
The Guardian - UK · Sep 27, 2024 Price hikes, terrible adverts, customer crackdowns: how the joy in streaming TV died Disney+ is the latest platform to stop people sharing their password for free. It’s yet another step in an industry meltdown that puts pressure on customers – and leads to genuinely bad television
The Guardian - UK · Aug 30, 2024 Oasis vinyl and CD sales soar after reunion tour confirmed, says HMV Sales up more than 500%, while streaming of band’s music on Spotify has also surged
The Guardian - UK · Jul 30, 2024 ‘Looks like £400 a month. That can’t be right!’ Readers on their music spending Are you keeping an eye on spending thanks to expensive vinyl and concert tickets? Guardian readers explain how they’re keeping fandom alive in a cost of living crisis
Tom’s Guide · Jul 24, 2024 I’m ditching streaming services for Blu-ray this year — and I’m not alone One UK retailer just reported a rise in physical media sales, and believes streaming might be partly responsible.
T3 · Jul 22, 2024 Netflix and other streamer price hikes are driving people back to Blu-rays DVD and Blu-ray disc sales are on the rise again, according to HMV.
TechRadar · Jul 22, 2024 Major UK retailer says its 4K and Blu-ray sales are rising, and it should be a wake-up call for ad-riddled streaming sites HMV confirms its physical media sales are on the rise – are we finally seeing people steer away from the ever price-increasing streaming giants?