Top 20 UK Indies

TOP 20 UK INDIES

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Independent retailers, the Davidsof Britain’s games industry,continue to surprise in theirongoing battle with corporateGoliaths of national chains.James Batchelor and Nindie.combring a rundown of the best indiestores around the nation…

CHIPS maintains its position as one of the UK’s largest independent gamesretailer, with almost 30 stores spread out all over the country encompassing amix of company-owned stores and franchised outlets. As it celebrates its 24thyear in business, CHIPS’ store count is set to grow even more as the firm strivesto match the might of national chains. Only two weeks ago, the indie’s MD toldMCV that former GAME and Gamestation staff were enquiring about how theycan set up their own franchise. The company also works to stay at the forefrontof games retail, trying new initiatives such as the interactive Xplace informationkiosks in five of its stores, and maintains a strong web presence with long-running site www.chipsworld.co.uk.0870 013 0028

CHIPS

The winner of the Best Independent category at this year’s MCV IndustryExcellence Awards. Grainger Games has come a long way from its humbleorigins as a small stall in Newcastle’s Grainger Arcade back in 1997 – it nowowns 26 stores around the North of England, with another to be opened laterthis month. Five of its stores were only opened last year as Grainger continuesto expand in line with its ambitious three-year expansion programme and drawsever nearer to crossing the line between indies and nationals. Grainger Gamesprides itself on its strong customer proposition and its vibrant branding, as wellas the close working relationships it has forged with many of the leading playersin the industry.0191 218 1827

GRAINGER GAMES

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Barkman Computers was first founded by Nick Elliot way back in 1987 and isnow celebrating its 23rd year in business – not bad for a single store. Operatingout of Surrey’s Kingston Upon Thames, the outlet is something of a rarity in theindie scene thanks to its focus on new product, and lack of a second-handbusiness. Barkman also boasts a more diverse range of titles, including hard-to-find delisted games, and a broad customer base of loyal regulars. 0208 546 5941

BARKMAN COMPUTERS

First established in 1992 by Mark Conacher and Fiona Stafford, the ConsoleConnections empire consists of two stores: one in Truro, Cornwall and the otherin Barnstable, Devon. Both outlets sell a range of used and new products, with athree-day exchange policy on all products sold. Its management team workhard to give the two stores a professional look, but are keen to maintain thespecial indie atmosphere that has proven to be so welcoming to customers.01271 379557

CONSOLE CONNECTIONS

Since its inception back in 2001, DVD.co.uk has extended its reach beyond theshores of the UK – it now ships products all over the world, including the US,Japan, Australia and a multitude of European countries. DVD.co.uk’s temptingoffers on new games has drawn plenty of consumers to its pages, as has itsPre-Release Price Promise, whereby it will maintain or lower the charge for pre-ordered goods as the price fluctuates towards the game’s release.www.dvd.co.uk

DVD.CO.UK

The Lancashire-based independent was originally set up in 1994 by StevenIreland, who has since hired a wealth of talent to grow his business. This teamtook the firm from strength-to-strength, peaking in 2002 when there were fourEclipse outlets in the region, catering for gamers in Blackpool, Cleveleys, Kirkhamand Preston. While the company has sold its Kirkham and Preston branches inrecent years, it is still considered to be one of the UK’s leading independents.01253 820800

ECLIPSE ENTERTAINMENT

Game On was first set up in 1997 and provides Saffron Walden with more thanjust the traditional range of video games and consoles: it also sells the fullGames Workshop and Magic: The Gathering lines, as well as other trading cardsand collectables, capitalising on the massive crossover between these audiences andgaming fans. The firm boasts a discount loyalty scheme that has over 5,000members, a key pillar in its great customer service offering.01799 506070

GAME ON

Games Basement is an indie retailer that takes the competititve mail order marketvery seriously. Not only does the site offer a wide range of the latest games, italso offers a variety of import titles, free delivery on all products and a range ofother interesting services. Gamers can trade in their old titles for loyalty pointsas part of an overall loyalty card scheme, where every purchase yields points thatcan result in further discounts. The site even offers a gift-wrapping service.0845 643 5546

GAMES BASEMENT

BRITAIN’S BEST INDIES

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Founded in 1996 by Robert Lindsay, this company holds thetitle of Scotland’s largest indie chain, thanks to its six HighStreet stores. Games Centre’s latest outlet opened in Airdrie inJuly last year and each store boasts deeply knowledgeablegamers and competitive pricing. They are all open seven daysa week and supported by www.gamescentre.co.uk.01236 752348

GAMES CENTRE

Disks & Discs operates out of a single store in Stafford, butthanks to its prominent High Street location it’s a rathersuccessful one. The indie prides itself on offering a trulycomprehensive range of products, ensuring that every newrelease appears in store at launch. As a result Disks & Discshas seen great hits with games that fewer nationals stocked.01785 214098

DISKS & DISCS

The brainchild of MCV Retail Advisory Board member StephenStaley, Gameseek is one of the UK’s fastest-growing onlinegames stores. The site has been trading since 2002 andoffers a full range of games, as well as DVD players, Blu-rayfilms and even toys. Its flexible payment options and efficientshipping have made the site highly popular with gamers.www.gameseek.co.uk

GAMESEEK

Started in 1993, this twin-brand chain currently operatesout of three locations, with Gamesters stores in Rotherhamand Scunthorpe and a Cool Spot outlet in Doncaster. Despitethe two different names, the stores offer the same services,from pre-owned games to console and disc repairs. Thecompany is also developing a two-pronged web presence.01302 761656

GAMESTERS/THE COOL SPOT

GameXchange boasts no less than five stores around thecountry. Of all the outlets it has, the jewel in the GameXchangecrown is the Stretford branch, which boasts a shop floorsize that many indies can only dream of: 1,300 sq ft. Thisallows it to stock plenty of the latest games and merchandise,and dedicated impressively prominent areas to key titles.0870 746 6070

GAMEXCHANGE

Operating out of a single store in Kirkwall on Scotland’sOrkney Islands, this indie is primarily a records and musicstore. However, the popularity of games has led it to branchout and stock hardware, software and accessories for allmajor formats. It also runs a trade-in system, rewardingcustomers with discounts against future purchases.01856 872239

GROOVES



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Perhaps better known as EverythingPlay.com, May Contain Fun is currentlyfinalising plans to rebrand its website. As of June 1st, the firm will be known asFindAddBuy.com, a makeover that will see the launch of a new logo, revisednavigation system and a site redesign. Launched as recently as April 2007, MayContain Fun’s site is a relatively new indie on the scene but is no less prominent.www.findaddbuy.com

MAY CONTAIN FUN

This online entertainment specialist continues to run one of the best lookingindie sites out there. Consumers can pick from a strong range of games,consoles and more, as well as additional products including DVDs, music, booksand gadgets. Powerplay Direct operates out of its headquarters in Eastbourneand also boasts two large High Street stores in Leicester and Hereford.www.powerplaydirect.com

POWERPLAY DIRECT

SeeDee Jons began in 1993 as an independent music retailer, before becoming anApple authorised reseller and moving to larger premises in Jersey. As the gamesindustry grew, owner John Holley worked to bring SeeDee into that market. Thecompany now sells a range of PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo products, while adedicated games buyer ensures SeeDee Jons always has the latest titles in stock.01534 769405

SEEDEE JONS

Popular site ShopTo.net is run by MCV Retail Advisory Board member IgorCipolletta, who is supported by a team of 16 enthusiastic staff. The successfulcompany is expecting a turnover of around £23 million in its current financialyear and plans to increase this by at least 35 per cent in the following year. It iscurrently gathering more than 3,000 new customers every week.www.shopto.net

SHOPTO.NET

This well-respected online-only indie retailer hopes to double its business onlast year, having managed to achieve this for the past two years running inspite of the recession. Simply Games is also looking into the possibilities ofdownloadable games, potentially moving away from its current focus ofengaging with customers through console sales. www.simplygames.com

SIMPLY GAMES

Having begun as a market stall more than a decade ago, The Games Exchangenow operates out of two branches in Wales. The company trades in both newgames and retro stock, as well as other gaming merchandise. The GamesExchange also offers a multi-tiered loyalty card, with discount rates rangingfrom three per cent for newcomers to seven per cent for gold members.01745 336644

THE GAMES EXCHANGE

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH NINDIE.COMNindie.com was set up in 2006 as a community for the independent retailers of Nintendo. The service introduces a number of innovations to aid smaller retailers who sellNintendo products. � www.nindie.com � 0870 027 8700


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Top 20 UK Indies