GAME has announced that all three of the remaining physical stores will shut their doors from April 2026 as the challenging retail environment persists for UK retailers
GAME is shutting down ALL standalone stores as the tough retail climate continues for UK retailers. GAME has confirmed that all three of the remaining brick-and-mortar stores will cease trading from April 2026.
The online store is also expected to continue operating, and gift cards can still be used. The GAME website will continue business as usual, and the retailer will sustain its presence as concessions within Sports Direct and House of Fraser outlets, with over 200 locations at present.
GAME has been downsizing for several years, closing stores as their leases end, and last year, shuttering its HQ in Basingstoke.
In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz in 2023, the chain’s MD, Nick Arran, dismissed suggestions the chain was deserting its games business to focus on other products, such as toys.
“Gaming is our core business, and we will be the last man standing selling physical video games.”, reports the Express.
“We see our place in the market as proving that there is a place for physical, whether that be the collector’s editions, which we see as the vinyl of video games, or the gifter who doesn’t want to wrap up a download code for Christmas.
“But we need to be realistic. We have a business to run, and the expectation is that this will decline. So we need to fill that gap.”
On its website, GAME states: “Gift cards and eVouchers are valid for two years after their purchase. Any remaining balance will be cancelled on the expiration date of the card.
“Gift cards and eVouchers cannot be used by customers outside of the United Kingdom.”
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