Press releases
Gamestation development plans announced
27/01/2009
- Proposal to move more head office teams to Basingstoke
- Warehouse and Call Centre teams to stay in York
- Ongoing investment in Gamestation stores and brand unaffected
- New unified support structure proposed for GAME Group UK
GAME Group today announced new proposals for the development of Gamestation in 2009 and beyond.
To increase the Group’s ability to deliver passionate customer service and value for money in the increasingly challenging economic climate, the Group is proposing to relocate additional head office teams to the Group office in Basingstoke.
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.
Under the proposals, the majority of Gamestation head office roles will move to Basingstoke. The Warehouse and Call Centre teams will remain in York at the existing site. This follows the successful integration of the HR, Payroll, Property and Loss Prevention teams to Basingstoke in 2008.
A consultation process has started with around 80 employees in York, and we will do our utmost to offer comparable roles for those that want to relocate to Basingstoke.
Plans to open further Gamestation stores and upgrade facilities in existing stores with investment in IT and back office systems are unaffected.
In the wider GAME Group in the UK, a new unified structure is proposed in Basingstoke to support the GAME and Gamestation stores.
The Group is therefore pleased to announce that Tricia Brennan will be Commercial and Supply Chain Director, and Martyn Gibbs will be Customer and Brand Director. Both roles will support both brands and will report to Terry Scicluna, COO for GAME Group UK and Eire. This further emphasises that our customers and suppliers are at the heart of our business. (see note 1)
Terry Scicluna said "We are proposing changes to strengthen our brands in the UK and prepare for the rapidly changing consumer environment. 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."
Background:
- GAME Group plc acquired Gamestation on 2 May 2007.
- The store chain has grown from 217 UK stores at acquisition to over 250 stores now.
- Gamestation employs 2000 staff across the UK.
- Gamestation turnover has grown from £200m in 2006 to around £400m in 2008.
Note 1:
Martyn Gibbs has been Gamestation MD since February 2008. As Customer and Brand Director for the UK and Eire, Martyn will have responsibility for GAME and Gamestation stores, Operations and Marketing teams.
Tricia Brennan has been MD of GAME UK and Eire since February 2008. As Commercial and Supply Chain Director for the UK and Eire, Tricia will have responsibility for the product, preowned, distribution, merchandising and planning teams serving both GAME and Gamestation brands.
Contact:
| GAME Group plc | Simon Soffe, Head of Communications 01256 784162 |
| Brunswick | Jonathan Glass, Nina Coad, Oliver Hughes 020 7404 5959 |
