The independent games retailer award takes into consideration overall customer service, product information and marketing activity for both High Street and online specialists
2006: ePlay 2007: ePlay 2008: Grainger Games 2010: Grainger Games 2011: ShopTo
CONSOLE CONNECTIONS Console Connections was set up in 1992 by Mark Conacher and Fiona Stafford. Based in Truro, Cornwall, it stocks new releases, consoles and accessories, and has an extensive back catalogue of pre- owned titles. The store stocks new and pre-owned games and consoles. It offers cash or credit in exchange for used games. Plus, customers can get their discs repaired in stores while they wait. Console Connections boasts a modern layout with friendly, knowledgeable staff, which have helped the store remain competitive and successful over the years.
GAMES CENTRE
This Scotland-based independent retail chain celebrates its 20th year in the games industry this September. It has grown from a single store in Glasgow to incorporate six outlets, with a seventh soon to open in Dumfries. It has adapted its business model over the years to include films, toys and mobile phones, as well as traditional games and consoles. Games Centre also runs midnight launches, store competitions and will give its website a third major overhaul this year as it looks to increase its online share of the games market.
GAME ON
Game On opened its doors in Saffron Walden in 1997 before moving to a larger premises in the High Street three years later. The outlet offers games, consoles and other products such as LEGO, Magic the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons goodies. Plus, Games Workshop fans are catered for with a range of figurines and accessories on offer, as well as dedicated in-store gaming time every Sunday. Customers can also use the in-store repair service, or call out a repairer who can fix their console or laptop for them. Game On is only closed three days a year.
SEEDEE JONS
This Jersey-based entertainment retailer has been battling with HMV on the island for years. It originally sold music but began stocking DVDs, iPods and video games over time. The latter now makes up around 30 per cent of the retailerʼs overall business. Seedee Jons also sells games through Amazon. The outlet is located out of town, and because of this it claims it is able to enjoy a more captive market instead of competing directly with High Street chains. It also pulls in a lot of families as itʼs situated next to a toy shop and a housing department.
XBITE
As one of the fastest-growing indie games retailers in the UK, Xbite has gone from bedroom start up to a business with a warehouse capacity of 20,000 sq ft. It was established in 2004 when MD Nick Whitehead started selling second-hand games on eBay. Today the company sells games, office products, DVDs, toys, electronics, clothing and more via its website www.365games.co.uk and a range of online marketplaces. It now employs over 40 members of staff. Xbite has achieved consistent year-on-year sales and profit growth.
XPRESS GAMES
The company originally started trading in December 2005 as a CHIPS franchise store in Ashford, Kent. In July 2010 it agreed terms to fly the nest and now operates independently. Xpress Games not only stocks video games and consoles, but has also built a name for itself in the trading card and games memorabilia markets. The store stocks everything from action figures to Yu Gi Oh cards and Games Workshop products. Thanks to its range of goods and swift independent growth, Xpress Games opened another store in Dover in April 2011.