GAME to close 43 stores, axe 247 jobs
GAME, Gamestation and Debenhams concessions to close, as retailer prepares for tough 2010
High Street retailer GAME has confirmed that it is to close 43 stores at the cost of 247 jobs in the UK.
The company will shut 12 GAME stores, six Gamestation businesses and all 25 concessions in Debenhams stores. Sales over the Christmas period were down 18 per cent, and the firm announced last month that further consolidation would but 80 jobs in the Gamestation business at risk.
"The majority of the identified sites are located close to another one of our stores, and we will help each customer affected by a closure to transfer to their nearest store as well as our online offerings," said GAME in a statement to GamesIndustry.biz.
"We will provide extensive support to the teams in each store. However, with deep regret, we have had to offer redundancy to 247 employees. We will do our utmost to redeploy roles if possible, and have started consulting with all affected employees in the 43 sites."
The company blamed tough market conditions expected in 2010 for the move, and said the decision had come after a period of review to ensure the business "operates as efficiently as possible while consistently delivering the high standards of service our customers demand."