All to play for as Game stores rebound from falling into administration
THE popularity of new computer games such as Grand Theft Auto 5, above, helped retailer Game steal a march on rivals and boost festive sales, it said yesterday.
The gaming group, which fell into administration two years ago before being bought by private equity outfit OpCapita, said total sales in the six weeks to January 4 had raced 83 per cent higher compared to market growth of 53 per cent.
Sales at stores open at least a year grew 90 per cent and online sales, helped by a new mobile app, surged 213 per cent.
Led by chief executive Martyn Gibbs, it said games such as FIFA 14 as well as new computer consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One proved popular at its 320 stores.
Store redesigns allowing more space for try-outs also helped.
Gibbs said: “These figures reflect the transformation of the operational and financial profile of the business.
“Gamers are coming to us because of our in-depth product knowledge and exclusive content. We see strong momentum in our business.”
It declined to comment on speculation it is lining up a £300million stock market float.
Analyst Nick Bubb said: “Game might very well be big enough again to be thinking about a listing.”