GAME was one of the most successful gaming stores, having survived when others had fallen (stock) (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
High street retailer GAME is poised to shut its final standalone shops following substantial financial losses.
The decision follows the video game specialist, which previously operated hundreds of locations nationwide, indicating late last month that it was preparing to appoint administrators.
This would represent the second occasion GAME has faced administration. The company went under in 2012, leading to 277 store closures and more than 2,000 redundancies.
Established in 1990, GAME flourished during the boom years of gaming consoles and physical game sales. However, by 2019, the business was in difficulty and accepted a £52million acquisition by tycoon Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct, which subsequently rebranded as Frasers Group.
In 2020, GAME revealed intentions to close 40 outlets. Reports emerged last August suggesting another five locations were earmarked for closure.
The chain now operates just three standalone premises, all of which are expected to shut. One is thought to be its outlet at the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands.
A notice displayed in the ground-floor shop’s window stated on 31 January: “GAME. This store will be closing in APRIL 2026. Please shop online at www.game.co.uk.”
The remaining two are understood to be located in Sutton, Surrey, and Lancaster.
Whilst the standalone outlets appear destined for closure, GAME concessions will continue trading within hundreds of Frasers-owned premises, including Sports Direct and Frasers department stores, alongside its online platform. Reports have emerged that GAME has lodged a notice of intention to appoint administrators via law firm RPC, though a spokesperson refused to comment when approached on Monday.
Such a filing indicates a business is bracing for administration and triggers a temporary legal protection preventing creditors from pursuing legal action for a 10-day window.
Financial records for GAME Retail Limited covering the year ending April 2024 revealed the retailer swung from an £8.5million profit into a loss approaching £2.5million. The documents also confirm the business is wholly owned by billionaire Mike Ashley through his holding company MASH Holdings Ltd.
The anticipated closure of the final three standalone outlets follows a wave of high street casualties across the retail sector.
Fashion giant Next has acquired the Russell and Bromley brand and intellectual property following the upmarket footwear retailer’s collapse into administration.
However, the transaction excluded most physical locations. Next confirmed it would take on just three of Russell and Bromley’s 36 shops – the Bluewater, Chelsea, and Mayfair branches.
Separately, approximately 1,000 positions are at risk at high street fashion retailer Quiz, which teeters on the edge of administration. The women’s clothing chain cited challenging market conditions and escalating operational expenses.