In the 17 weeks to 30 April, like-for-like sales at HMV stores in the UK and Irish Republic fell 15.1%, and were down 8.4% at Waterstone's.

BBC: HMV sells Waterstone's book chain to Alexander Mamut

We've never really seen it attached to dedicated speakers, however, and that's where both an FCC filing and a sighting at UK retailer HMV's online store raise a few eyebrows.

ENGADGET: Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker spotted at FCC and HMV: take one and call Dr. Dre in the morning

Peter Saville, partner at advisory and restructuring firm Zolfo Cooper, welcomed the news of the Hilco deal, describing it as "really positive news" for HMV and the wider UK retail sector.

BBC: HMV branches sold to Hilco, saving 141 branches