THE FINALISTS 2009 YOUR TEAM • YOUR GAMES • YOUR AWARDS
Retail Category Partner
RETAIL
STAR STORE PR EVIOUS W
INNERS 2007: Gamesta tion Birmingha m New Street 2008: Zavvi, Ox ford Street
RETAIL INNOVATION • STORE MANAGER HIGH STREET RETAILER • STAR STORE • ONLINE RETAILER
STAR STORE Recognising the team behind an independent’s success or the staff within a chain’s individual outlet. Sales performance, plus commitment and service to customers is considered... GAME Oxford Street Its high profile location and status as the chain’s flagship store makes GAME Oxford Street one of the most visible video games shops in Europe. It has been selling games for almost 25 years and welcomes a variety of customers that ranges from tourists to dedicated gamers, as well as the investors, analysts and media who visit the store to examine what GAME has to offer. The store is regularly used for special events, including celebrity product launches.
HMV Liverpool One With over 4,000 square feet dedicated to games, this store represents a real statement of intent for HMV. As big as an average HMV store, this department is fitted out in HMV’s next generation style and benefits in particular from multiple interactive areas covering all consoles, which increases ‘dwell time’ and spend.
WWW.MCVUK.COM
GAMESTATION Birmingham New Street A former MCV Award winner, Gamestation Birmingham New Street remains the largest games store in Europe. Headed up by managers Lee McLaughlin and Craig Huxtable, the store continues to go from strength to strength. 2008 highlights included a World of Warcraft midnight launch with competitions against the UK’s best pro players, signed WWE appearances and a line-up with Cadburys World for a Mario and Sonic promotion.
ASDA Derby Asda’s Derby store delivered sales of almost £2 million in 2008, which was up a hugely impressive 50 per cent year-on-year. And already so far this year, YOY growth is 48 per cent, despite tough challenges following the demise of supplier EUK. Possibly most impressively, this store contributes towards over four per cent of Asda’s total hardware sales – which is not an insignificant cash number, according to head office.
CHIPS Dudley The Dudley CHIPS outlet scooped the chain’s Store of the Year award in 2008. And it’s the second time this particular outlet has walked off with a trophy, having picked up the CHIPS Newcomer of the Year accolade in 2007. CHIPS Dudley runs many promotional days, raises money for charity and gives great customer service.
11