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 collectibles, trading cards, toys and K-pop products.
HMV managing director Phil Halliday said stores that were previously quieter on Saturdays were now significantly busier as young consumers sought out places to meet and share their interests.
The renewed appetite for physical products is also feeding into HMV’s core music business.
The retailer said in-store vinyl sales have risen 27 per cent year on year, while online sales are up 45 per cent. CD sales have increased 10 per cent, with demand partly driven by younger K-pop fans buying physical albums.
Halliday said CDs were proving a more affordable alternative to vinyl for younger music fans, while physical products offered consumers ‘a greater sense of ownership and connection’ than streaming.
The Works is also seeing younger shoppers spend more in stores, with collectible squishy toys emerging as one of its breakout products this summer.
The arts, crafts and stationery retailer, which operates more than 500 stores across the UK and Ireland, said it has been selling thousands of the toys each week since demand accelerated in May.
It has also reported growth across Pokémon cards, children’s colouring and puzzle books, arts supplies and craft products.
The Works chief executive Gavin Peck said the retailer has increasingly focused on “screen-free” products as parents seek activities that encourage children to spend less time on devices.
The trend has extended beyond children, with The Works also recording demand from adults taking up activities including colouring and crafting.
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