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A small-scale retailer is on the cusp of transformation after hiring two GAME veterans.
Big Retail, the chain of entertainment stores operated by distributor MBL, recently welcomed David Webb and Steve Wilde to its ranks, MCV can reveal.
We understand MBL hopes to open several new websites and High Street shops this year, all of which will focus on DVD, music and games.
Webb was former divisional general manager at GAME and has been recruited as retail director.
He has worked in retail for 25 years and joined Gamestation in 2001 as regional manager. He became director of central operations in 2005 and stayed on after GAME acquired the firm.
Meanwhile, Steve Wilde has joined the firm as IT director. Wilde has held a string of IT roles at companies including GAME, Gamestation and Barclays.
The new recruits are part of MBL’s bid to diversify its business having lost its major distribution contract with supermarket chain, Morrisons.
The company admitted it would be significantly downsizing its operations after losing the contract. MBL’s relationship with the supermarket chain accounted for 78 per cent of its turnover during the last fiscal year.
Redundancies are currently being made and MBL is up for sale, with KPMG Corporate Finance seeking potential suitors.
MBL’s push into retail follows last year’s appointment of former The Hut, Play.com and Green Man Gaming exec Gian Luzio as ecommerce director.
Luzio has since launched entertainment website Bee.com, which he manages. The company also runs the entertainment website for Sainsbury’s.
