Game issues alert

Dec 9 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

VIDEO games and consoles retailer Game Group said profit margins would be hit as it runs more promotions to reverse falling sales.

But the firm, which has 641 stores across the UK, including one at Kingsgate in Huddersfield, said it was encouraged by a better performance in recent weeks – helped by record-breaking sales of new games Call of Duty: Black Ops and FIFA 11.

Like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland fell by 7.6% in the 18 weeks to December 4 against a 16.2% decline in the first half. Game said sales of second-hand games and consoles will make up 25% of turnover this year.