James Ashton: Truth is, HMV has done itself no favours
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I can't summon up any sympathy for the fate of HMV, which this week finally admitted its chief executive, Simon Fox, is leaving.
The embattled music chain would probably have gone bust long before now if it wasn't for the munificence of music labels and movie studios desperate to keep the only high street alternative to the supermarkets alive.
It isn't the analogue strategy that HMV followed when everyone else was thinking digital that I have no time for. It is more the fact this retailer has been slow to acknowledge reality even when it was being engulfed by it.
My colleagues and I have endlessly been told we were just plain wrong. Closing shops? No need. Debt problems? You must have us mixed up with someone else. Selling Waterstones? Don't be ridiculous. Fox leaving? Nothing in it.
When will companies learn that masking the truth buys them time, but no credibility?
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments