Some HMV stores could face closure

It said group like-for-like sales - which exclude new store openings - were up 5.8% in the 18 weeks to 1 September, compared with a year earlier.

The improvement was even stronger at its HMV music division, where same store sales advanced 9.6%.

At its Waterstone's bookshops, like-for-like sales were up 2.7%, helped by the latest Harry Potter book.

The figures represent a turnaround for HMV, which saw its profits more than halve in the year to 28 April, as group-wide annual sales only advanced 3.8%.

'Good operational shape'

"The group has made a pleasing start to the current financial year, with good momentum in sales, margins and cost management," said HMV chairman Carl Symon.

"At this point in our trading calendar we have much work to do, but we expect to approach the key Christmas period in good operational shape and with exciting offers for our customers."

HMV is holding its annual general meeting later on Thursday.

The firm has struggled in recent years against increased competition from the supermarket sector and internet music retailers.