Mark Conacher from the Cornwall-based games store tells MCV how its level of service and special offers have kept it thriving since the early ‘90s
CONSOLE Connections was set up way back in 1992 by Mark Conacher and Fiona Stafford. Like other independents, the store stocks new releases, consoles and accessories, and has an extensive back catalogue of new and pre- owned titles.
But it’s the additional services and special offers that the owners say sets the indie apart. “We run a lot of offers to stay competitive, like offering three games for the price of two, or four games for £10,” says Mark Conacher. “What also sets us apart is the fact that we offer an excellent level of service. Our staff are gamers, they know what they are on about and
are very informative when a customer comes in and needs help. And not only is help vital before or during a purchase, but the after care is just as important. “For example, helping a customer with any queries or setting up a console. And that`s why we get such good feedback and repeat custom.” On top of its impressive selection of goods, Console Connections offers a while-you-wait disc repair service. Games can also be exchanged for other items, store credit or cash, so customers can choose how they want to pay and trade. Conacher believes publishers and distributors working closer together could be beneficial to indies.
“The future for indies is not clear, but it could be a lot more positive with more help and support from distribution and publishers,” he says. “This will hopefully will happen in the near future.
“Our plans for this year are to
keep working hard. It’s not easy sometimes but we’re still here after 20 years. “We will strive to keep offering our customers the same exceptional service we have been providing for the last 20 years.”
MCV talks to Extreme Gamez’ owner Stuart Benson about why it’s essential to stock completely different products other than games, and how it’s remained profitable
What sets Extreme Gamez apart? How have you innovated? We are not afraid to try new things out. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. Currently we are trading in electrical
entertainment goods, similar to CeX, and we try to change offers and promotions to keep things fresh.
What are your plans for this year and where do you see yourselves in five years’ time? To streamline the core business to make it as profitable as possible, and clear the dead stock for lines that sell faster and have better margins. If we’re still in retail in five years time, it will either be mainly retro- focused along with a small new games section, as well as stocking
We are not afraid to try new things out. Currently we are also trading in electrical entertainment goods, similar to CeX.
“ Stuart Benson, Extreme Gamez
whatever the latest craze, toy or gadget is.
What’s specifically changed over the past couple of years for you? It’s harder than ever to compete on prices and to get people to commit to pre-orders. We have no current plans to expand.
What can indies like yourselves do to survive in the future? It’ll be very hard to survive in the future unless you’re willing to totally change and open your mind to stocking completely different products. Suppliers need to continue to provide more support. I always give my suggestions to them and have plenty of ideas to make us both work for a better business.
[FACTFILE]
ESTABLISHED: August 2000 STORES: 2 BASED: Ashby, Leicestershire (head office) and Swadlincote, Derbyshire (second branch) CONTACT: 01530 412983, 01283 558338