LONDON
HMV - Piccadilly Circus, on the Trocadero.
London has basically 3 Megastore chains. As you know, it's hard not to find what you want in a Megastore. And if you don't find in one, try one of the other two. Don't expect the best prices in town in any of them (although CDs in London are cheaper than anywhere in Europe). HMV has 2 or 3 addresses in London, and is a nice place to start your exploration of the Megastores.
VIRGIN - Oxford Street, on the corner with Tottenham Court
Road.
Besides being very complete, Virgin is the only Megastore that lets you listen to CDs before you buy them. And, as a matter of fact, their prices tend to be like 50 cents cheaper than the other Megastores. The people who work there are a little bit more helpful than the others, too.
TOWER- Picadilly Circus
This is the most famous and the most expensive Megastore. They don't let you listen to CDs and if you are able to find anyone to help you while looking desperately for what you want, congratulations.
CHURCHILL GIFTS AT BUZZZ - 80, Oxford Street (basement)
Have you seen those prices on HMV, VIRGIN and TOWER ? Now go to this place and buy all your favourite records paying only 10,99 each. They have a good stock, mainly recent releases, with such low prices. I asked them how could they beat the Megashops, and they told me that if they had the same prices, nobody would buy from them, so they work with lower margins. That's what I call the wonders of capitalism. There are a lot of places like this on Oxford Street. They are souvenirs shops with a Record shop on the basement. Go there before you pay 15 pounds on a Megastore for the same CD. Unfortunately, they don't sell singles.
GOING FOR A SONG - 159-163, Charing Cross Road.
They call themselves "Discount Music Stores". And it's true. CD singles for 99p. 12" singles for less than this. Actually, they don't have a big variety of titles, but if you find what you want, you can be sure it won't be cheaper anywhere else (unless you buy it used).
OUR PRICE - Various adresses, including Heathrow Airport.
They really have their price, and it's more expensive than anyone in town.
MUSIC & VIDEO EXCHANGE - 229, Camden High Street / 38
and 56, Notting Hill
Gate
Welcome to paradise. This is the best place in London to buy more for less. This shop has a unique form of selling used CDs. When a CD enters the shop, they establish the price. If in one week the record is not sold, they cut one pound of the price. And if it's still in the shop for one more week, it's another pound less, and so on. By this method, you can also find incredible bargains. And as the records are always coming in and out of the shop (their ads say: "nothing refused" ), you can always go back the next day and find a completely new display of CDs. It's also the right place for buying old 12" maxis for 1 pound each !!! (Oh, if you visit the Camden adress, don't miss the Camden Town Market on weekends. It's my favourite place in London, and besides, there are lots of small CD and LP sellers with reduced prices on used CDs and rarities. Just beware of two guys that sell "rarities" on the Camden Lock. I'm not sure they are well intended.)
RHYTHM RECORDS - 281, Camden High Street
OUT ON THE FLOOR - Inverness Street, near MEGA CITY
COMICS.
When visiting the Camden Market, stop by these shops. They are very specialized and may have those rarities you've been searching crazily for the last ten years..
Here's something for those who want to check more London adresses.
And yet another site for adresses all over England.
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and number
since 02/March/1998.
