Since the ‘80s, Eclipse has gone from renting videos to selling games and now stocking all manner of goods. MCV asks Simon Mitchell why it’s changed
Can you give us an overview of the products and services you sell? We sell all the consoles – new and used – as well as software. We sell strategy guides and toys like remote control helicopters and Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémoncards. We’re selling the Marvel Avengers figures, Moshi Monsters stuffand World of Warcraftproducts too. We’re now in the process of looking for the next big thing.
Why diversify?
If you stick to one thing only, you limit your clientele. They want posters, cards, pocket money
purchases for the bedroom, but that kind of thing is getting thin on the ground. The margins are so tight.
What else has changed for you over the past year? How have you adapted to industry pressures? The market has got even tighter. It’s got smaller and smaller. There’s fewer good games coming out. Is it the end of gaming? No. I don’t think so. Downloads are massive. A lot of the big boys have gone to companies like Zynga. I read the MCVarticle about Zynga’s John Schappert the other week and he’s right. If you miss [the transition to
downloads], then you’re stupid. I’m going to develop our website soon to hopefully sell via an eBay shop.
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So where do you see yourselves in five years’ time? I think we’ll still be here. We’ll be selling Xbox 720 and the next PlayStation. I don’t think there will be another boom like there was in 2008. I think the recession will keep going for another five or six years. If we’re selling espressos with Max Payne 4, I’m not sure, but we’ll still be here. As long as publishers continue to make boxed games, we’ll continue to sell them.
INDIE MONTH WITH KOCH This list of five stores was compiled by MCV in association with Koch Media, distributor of video games, accessories, consumer electronics and DVDs. Koch Media: 01256 385200
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