Gennaro Castaldo Watch: Oh, we'll all go together when we go

The struggling Waterstones book store and the struggling HMV um, shop, have come together to share their annual sales conference.

Why has parent HMV brought them together? Embedded spokespoke Gennaro Castaldo has the official line:

"We want to bring together all elements of the business because there is a strategic underlying remit to demonstrate how the whole business is working together."

In other words, as both parts of the company are going down the toilet, it makes sense to gather together rather than splash money out on two conferences.

Still, it turns out there is some cash sloshing about HMV still:

Manic Street Preachers were among bands to entertain delegates at the event

Who knew that the Manics were doing corporates? Every delegate got a torch, a CurlyWurly, a book of stamps, a free digital watch with denim strap, a vodka miniature, a Bic-style razor and a copy of the Daily Express.