HMV and The Works have both recorded increase in footfall and sales as more young people seek out physical stores to find products and share interests with other fans. HMV has announced that visitor numbers across the UK increased by 12% in the first half of the year compared to last year. Since the pandemic, HMV has revamped its shops, dedicating more space to pop culture merchandise, including collectibles, trading cards, toys and K-pop products. The increase in footfall as a result has also contributed to an improvement in the store’s core music business. He also said that going to physical stores gives young people and collectors a place to meet and share their interests.