GAME.co.uk Braced For Last-Minute Gift Rush

18th December 2006 - Are you one of the millions who have left your Christmas shopping until the last minute? With only 7 days to go until Christmas, GAME.co.uk, Europe's leading online specialist games retailer, is anticipating an eleventh-hour rush from customers in a desperate bid to get their presents in time for Christmas.

According to research*, last year 40% of Brits left their Christmas shopping until the last minute and over half the population state that they find Christmas shopping a chore - a fact that may account for the panic buying surge in the final countdown to Christmas.

However, if you're thinking of buying the first thing you see it might be worth remembering that Britons waste approximately £3 billion* in the UK on unwanted gifts each year! But never fear, GAME.co.uk can provide you with a whole host of inspiration on what to buy this festive season.

5 tips to buying a great GAME Christmas gift

1. Pay attention to any hints dropped by your nearest and dearest.

2. Do your research and find out what console the gamer has or wants, and also the type of games that they enjoy.

3. Check out the website's top sellers - chances are you'll be on to a winner.

4. Accessorise - don't forgot the added extra's when buying a games console, buying someone a PS2 for Christmas without the memory card, is the equivalent of buying them a toy without batteries!

5. If in doubt get them gift vouchers and let them choose their own present.

If you're really stuck, then why not check out the top five games other customers are pre-ordering for Christmas and go with the masses :

1. Need for Speed: Carbon

2. FIFA 07

3. WWE Smackdown! Vs RAW 07

4. Pro Evolution Soccer 6

5. Gears of War

Alex Croft, Managing Director for GAME Group's Online Business said, "As we get closer to Christmas more and more people are getting frustrated trying to buy someone that perfect present. With thousands of games available to choose from, it's no wonder people are getting confused and leaving their Christmas shopping until the last minute. However at GAME.co.uk our main aim is to provide customers with all the information to make an informed decision, from our top sellers to coming soon titles there's something for everyone."

GAME.co.uk now offers a gift selector feature enabling you to input your preferences to make sure you choose the right game this Christmas.

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For further details please contact the PR Department on 01256 784442 or pr@game.co.uk

*Research conducted by Mintel

About GAME

GAME is Europe's leading specialist retailer of computer software and video games. The Group currently operates from over 400 stores in the UK and Eire and 300 stores in continental Europe. For further corporate information log onto www.gamegroup.plc.uk, and for the on-line store log onto www.game.co.uk