MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Our Indie Retail Month in association with Gem continues with another entry in our look at UK’s fastest growing indies, Scottish chain Games Centre.
The MCV Award-winning Games Centre is growing its store count to ten. MD Robert Lindsay tells us more.
How has the business grown in recent years?
Twenty years ago Games Centre started out with a single unit market stall, in a pre-internet era. We now have multiple stores, a growing online presence and a diverse product range with a staff count of over 40 people. We have also been the proud winners of MCV Best Independent Retailer Award two years running which has raised our profile considerably. One thing has never changed – our passion for this industry. The High Street is still very important to the future plans of Games Centre.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when first starting up?
Naivety was our biggest challenge. It was such a massive learning curve as we were young and inexperienced in business. Managing cash flow was difficult, as was obtaining credit limits without any historical accounts to go on. Meanwhile you are trying to establish your brand, build customer awareness and develop relationships with a range of people who can help you grow and service your business.
How do you continue to grow?
We are always seeking new opportunities to drive the business forward and we are continually reviewing our plans. Relocating to new distribution facilities has improved our efficiency and a close relationship with key suppliers and publishers have been a major factor with invaluable support during this challenging transition period.
Have you got any plans for further growth?
Our store count will increase to ten within the next year with further store openings throughout the following two years. The in-store experience for customers will be greatly improved with some new innovations we are looking to implement. Online will see a major focus over the coming months as a full rewrite will make the Games Centre website as attractive to consumers as our stores are.
