HMV are now officially the dominant music retail presence in Ireland. Yesterday, as five Zavvi stores closed their doors (four in Northern Ireland and one in the Republic, Zavvi Blanchardstown), their one-time rival bought five of their stores and are set to save 110 jobs in the process.
The Zavvi stores in Dundalk, Limerick, Newbridge, Dundrum and Liffey Valley will begin trading as HMV with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, HMV are also entering the live music venue forum as they've bought shares in several UK venues including London's Hammersmith Apollo, Borderline and G-A-Y venues, Edinburgh's Picture House, and Birmingham's Institute.
In a further recession-scorning move, the company has also formed a partnership with ticket agency Seatem to sell tickets in their UK stores.