LONDON (AP) — Books, music and games retailer HMV Group said yesterday that sales fell by seven percent in the 16 weeks to April 24 though the company achieved a small gain for the full year.

HMV said total sales for the year are up 1.4 percent, but down 4.3 percent when excluding new store openings.

In the recent 16 weeks, sales at HMV music and games stores were down 8.5 percent — 12.4 percent on a comparable basis — and total sales at Waterstone's book stores fell 4.3 percent.

The company did not report earnings in the update.

Though HMV said full year results would be in line with market expectations, shares fell 6.5 percent to 74 pence on the London Stock Exchange.

The company blamed the limp finish to strong comparisons in previous years, reduced promotional activity and bad weather.

Freddie George, analyst at Seymour Pierce Ltd., said there were encouraging signs in the report, including indications of progress in turning around the books unit.