Major UK Retailer Closing All Stores, Exiting High Streets by April
GAME will close its last three high street shops in April, marking its exit from traditional retail locations. Filmogaz.com can confirm the retailer will shut branches in Dudley, Sutton and Lancaster.
This move has been described in industry circles as a Major UK Retailer Closing All Stores in terms of its physical footprint. Observers say the action effectively amounts to Exiting High Streets by April for the chain.
Which stores are affected
The three remaining shops are in Dudley, Sutton and Lancaster. The exact closing dates have not yet been released.
GAME previously operated outlets in Birmingham and Solihull. Its Basingstoke headquarters closed last year.
Business strategy and future plans
Senior management says the company will continue to sell games, but in a much smaller way. Concession desks inside other retailers will be used to keep a presence.
Managing director Nick Arran has stressed that physical editions and collector’s items remain part of the market. He noted the gift market and collectors as reasons to retain some physical stock.
Market context
GAME entered administration in 2012 after two decades in business. That episode ended the firm’s position as a dominant high street brand.
PwC partner Mike Jervis pointed to high fixed costs and an ambitious international roll-out as factors in the 2012 crisis. Analysts also blame a faster-than-expected shift to digital sales.
Analyst views on retail trends
Lisa Byfield-Green of Planet Retail says a large store estate made it hard for the company to adapt. She predicts any future will involve far fewer shops.
She adds that successful retailers often use “retail theatre” to draw customers. Examples include tie-ins and localised stock strategies used by other chains.
- Stores closing: Dudley, Sutton, Lancaster.
- HQ: Basingstoke closed last year.
- Future presence: concessions inside other retailers.
Industry watchers will track how GAME shifts from a high street chain to a smaller retail model. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as dates and plans are confirmed.
