Sunrise Records taking over 2 former HMV locations in Saint John, Fredericton

Sunrise Records will be taking over 70 HMVlocations in mallsacross Canada, two of which are in New Brunswick.

The company announced that it willmove into the former HMV storesin Saint John's McAllister Place and Fredericton's Regent Mall.

• Struggling HMV Canada goes into receivership, set to close stores
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"We want to support independent Canadian artists more than ever," said Sunrise Records president DougPutmanin a written release.

"We feel it's an obligation, not to mention we love discovering talented new artists."

Thedecision comes on the heels of music chain HMV Canada going into receivership in January andannouncing the closure of all nationwide stores.

Sunrise Records storeswill start opening in early April.

The company's release said the expansion takes Sunrise into all major markets coast-to-coast, from British Columbia to Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

The company said it will continue to announce more locations in coming weeks.

More to come.