GAME Group is looking to consolidate its head office teams, incurring job losses at its York base as a result.

A consultation process affecting up to 80 roles has now begun, as the retail chain unifies all key management in Basingstoke.

Gamestation managing director Martyn Gibbs will move south, taking the new role of customer and brand director.

Erstwhile GAME managing director Tricia Brennan stays in Basingstoke, but switches to commercial and supply chain director.

Both execs will report directly to COO Terry Scicluna.

Importantly, the group remains committed to both the GAME and Gamestation brands, whilst repair, warehouse and call centre teams will stay in York.

All staff were told about the moves earlier today in offsite meetings, with the message being one of a new, unified structure for key strategic areas.

“The move is designed to increase support for the growing number of Gamestation stores in the UK, and to streamline support functions across the Gamestation and GAME brands,” said an internal statement.

The majority of Gamestation head office roles are set to move to Basingstoke. This follows the HR, payroll, property and loss prevention teams moving south last year.

“We are proposing changes to strengthen our brands in the UK and prepare for the rapidly changing consumer environment,” added Scicluna.

“We want to build on the recent successes of GAME and Gamestation and develop their individual customer propositions.

“Working together we can provide world class support functions for our UK stores – two strong brands with one support structure with an increased focus on customers and suppliers.

“Over the next few months our priorities remain to look after our people, invest in the future, and continue to deliver great service and offers to our customers.”
GAME Group acquired Gamestation on May 2nd 2007 and gained Competition Commission clearance in January last year.

The Gamestation chain has grown from 217 UK stores at acquisition to over 250 stores now, whilst the group as a whole boasts over 700 branches. Gamestation alone employs 2,000 staff across the UK