The Game Group plc (LSE: GMG) (usually known by its high street trading name Game and stylised as GAME) is a UK-based video games retail company. Its flagship store is in Oxford Street in London. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.
[edit] History
The company was founded by Bev Ripley and Terry Norris as Rhino Group in 1991.[1]
In 1995 a US business, Electronics Boutique, acquired 25% of the Company, the name of which was changed to Electronics Boutique Limited under license from the US business.[2]
In 1999 Electronics Boutique Limited purchased a chain of retail outlets known as Game from which the current name of the Company was derived.[3]
Electronics Boutique Limited went on to purchase the BarrysWorld online gaming service in 2001,[4] the French retailer ScoreGames in 2001 [5] and the Spanish retailer Centro Mail also in 2001.[6]
In 2002, Electronics Boutique stores in the UK and Ireland were rebranded as Game, and the Company name was changed to The Game Group. Despite the name change, a 1% sales royalty to Electronics Boutique in the United States continued to be paid until January 2006. Attempts to have this overturned in court in 2003 were unsuccessful.[7]
In July 2004 the GAME group acquired Gameplay (GB) Limited, online and mail order retailer of video games, computer software and associated products[8]. Gameplay (GB) Ltd now also trades as GAME.co.uk, the group's main online arm in the UK[9].
In May 2007 the Company announced the acquisition of rival UK specialist video game chain Gamestation for £74 million. The Company stated that they intended retaining the brand.[10]
In 2006, Game acquired Australian speciality video games retailer Gameswizards and have since rebranded all Gameswizards outlets as Game stores.[11]
[edit] Current sales
As of 2009, stores sell games for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, PC, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and PSP consoles. A few stores continue to sell games for the discontinued Gamecube and original Xbox consoles. Games are also sold under a 'preowned' label, where a customer has returned a used game for cash or credit. US retailer GameStop has proven this business strategy beneficial, generating an estimated $2 billion revenue in fiscal year 2008-09.[12]
[edit] Operations
The company had over 1,349 stores worldwide as at 1 April 2008. The most recent store opening being in Silverburn centre in Pollok, Glasgow. [13]
In the UK the group continues to trade on the high street as both GAME and Gamestation. The company plans to maintain and grow Gamestation as a separate brand[14], as its image is that of a store for "gamers".[15].
Online operations within the UK are GAME.co.uk, directed at the general consumer, as well Gamestation.co.uk and Gameplay.co.uk for more "dedicated gamers"[16]. All 3 websites are managed by Gameplay (GB) ltd. and follow a similar pricing structure, however maintain a very different corporate identity.
[edit] Loyalty card
Game operates a loyalty card scheme (the Game Reward Card) whereby members earn points when they purchase items in stores or online. [17]
Game awards 10 points for every £1 spent in store or online.[18] Every 1000 points earned, allows the member a discount of £2.50 on any console, accessory or game, but not gift cards or downloads.[19]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
