GAME Retail Chain to Shut All UK Stores as Administration Looms
The UK's prominent gaming retail chain, GAME, is poised to close all of its remaining standalone stores across the country as the business teeters on the brink of collapse. This dramatic development follows a formal notice to appoint an administrator, which was filed last week, casting significant uncertainty over the future of the high street gaming specialist.
Merry Hill Site Among Final Stores to Close
One of the affected locations is the GAME store within the Merry Hill shopping centre, where a closing down sign has already appeared. The notice, displayed prominently in the window, confirms that this particular branch will cease trading in April 2026, directing customers to shop online instead. Inside the store, located on the bottom floor of the centre, large images and stickers advertise a "Closing down. All stock must go!" sale, with discounts of 20 per cent off available.
Second Administration Threat in 15 Years
This potential administration represents the second time the GAME brand has faced such severe financial difficulties within a decade and a half. The chain previously collapsed in 2012, an event that led to the closure of 277 stores and resulted in the loss of approximately 2,000 jobs. Reports indicate that the group now operates only three standalone stores, all of which are scheduled to shut down permanently as part of this latest restructuring effort.
Financial Struggles and Ownership Details
The company's recent financial performance has highlighted a sharp decline, with accounts for the year to April 2024 showing a drop from an £8.5 million profit to a loss of nearly £2.5 million. GAME is fully owned by billionaire Mike Ashley through his entity, MASH Holdings Ltd. The notice of intention to appoint administrators was filed via law firm RPC, a move that provides a temporary legal freeze, protecting the business from creditor action for a period of 10 days.
Concessions to Remain Open
While the standalone GAME stores are set to close, it is understood that the concessions operating within Frasers Group-owned locations, such as Sports Direct and Frasers stores, will remain open for business. This distinction suggests a strategic shift towards a concession-based model rather than maintaining a network of dedicated retail outlets.
The closure of GAME's standalone stores marks a significant moment for the UK's retail landscape, particularly within the gaming sector, as consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their purchases. The upcoming months will be critical in determining the long-term viability of the brand under its current ownership structure.
