PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Game Group’s sales have fallen 10.8 per cent for the 44 weeks to December 5th, partly caused by poor software sales.
Like-for-like sales were for the same period were down 15.1 per cent, while total UK sales were down 14.3 per cent.
Meanwhile, for the 18 weeks to December 5th total Group sales were down 11.3 per cent, and UK and Ireland sales were down 15.3 per cent.
The firm’s chairman Peter Lewis blamed dropping software sales and supermarket price-cutting for the slump.
"We have seen strong competition in all of the markets that we operate in. In the UK, in particular, we have seen significant pricing activity from the supermarkets. However, our overall year to date market share position has improved due to the strength of our consumer proposition, including our trade-in offers, loyalty card discounts, breadth of range and specialist staff.
"Our preowned business has continued to perform well as it offers real value for our customers, particularly in the current economic climate."
Despite the fall, Game has opened 43 stores since the half year, and expects a solid Christmas and January performance.
"Over the longer term, we believe the video games market will continue to trend towards higher margin software and peripherals," continued Lewis.
"Game is well placed to benefit, as increased choice and technical innovation encourages customers to visit the specialist. As the market leader, we will continue to build our multi-channel proposition and preowned-led value offer to best serve our customers’ demands."
