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BRITAIN’S BEST INDIES BARKMAN COMPUTERS
CONSOLE CONNECTIONS
Barkman Computers was first founded by Nick Elliot way back in 1987 and is now celebrating its 23rd year in business – not bad for a single store. Operating out of Surrey’s Kingston Upon Thames, the outlet is something of a rarity in the indie scene thanks to its focus on new product, and lack of a second-hand business. Barkman also boasts a more diverse range of titles, including hard-tofind delisted games, and a broad customer base of loyal regulars. 0208 546 5941
First established in 1992 by Mark Conacher and Fiona Stafford, the Console Connections empire consists of two stores: one in Truro, Cornwall and the other in Barnstable, Devon. Both outlets sell a range of used and new products, with a three-day exchange policy on all products sold. Its management team work hard to give the two stores a professional look, but are keen to maintain the special indie atmosphere that has proven to be so welcoming to customers. 01271 379557
DVD.CO.UK
ECLIPSE ENTERTAINMENT
Since its inception back in 2001, DVD.co.uk has extended its reach beyond the shores 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 tempting offers on new games has drawn plenty of consumers to its pages, as has its Pre-Release Price Promise, whereby it will maintain or lower the charge for preordered goods as the price fluctuates towards the game’s release. www.dvd.co.uk
The Lancashire-based independent was originally set up in 1994 by Steven Ireland, who has since hired a wealth of talent to grow his business. This team took the firm from strength-to-strength, peaking in 2002 when there were four Eclipse outlets in the region, catering for gamers in Blackpool, Cleveleys, Kirkham and Preston. While the company has sold its Kirkham and Preston branches in recent years, it is still considered to be one of the UK’s leading independents. 01253 820800
GAME ON
GAMES BASEMENT
Game On was first set up in 1997 and provides Saffron Walden with more than just the traditional range of video games and consoles: it also sells the full Games Workshop and Magic: The Gathering lines, as well as other trading cards and collectables, capitalising on the massive crossover between these audiences and gaming fans. The firm boasts a discount loyalty scheme that has over 5,000 members, a key pillar in its great customer service offering. 01799 506070
Games Basement is an indie retailer that takes the competititve mail order market very seriously. Not only does the site offer a wide range of the latest games, it also offers a variety of import titles, free delivery on all products and a range of other interesting services. Gamers can trade in their old titles for loyalty points as part of an overall loyalty card scheme, where every purchase yields points that can result in further discounts. The site even offers a gift-wrapping service. 0845 643 5546