HMV is to launch a 25% off sale in more than 230 stores across the UK and Ireland, starting from Saturday, discounts will run across CDs, books and technology products.

The struggling retailer, whose total sales were down 13.5% to £277.6 in the six months to October 27 last year, said the purpose of the so-called Blue Cross Sale was to provide customer value.

A spokesman said: "It's what retailers do at this time of year, and any other ...