247 job losses as chain shuts 12 GAMEs, six Gamestations and all 25 Debenhams concessions

The GAME Group has announced that it is to close 43 of its outlets owing to the “the tougher market conditions that it faces in 2010”.

In total, 12 GAME stores, six Gamestation stores and all 25 of its Debenhams concessions will cease trading. The result will be 247 enforced redundancies. Most closures will be in situations where outlets are situated close to one another.

“We are committed to evolving our business to make sure it operates as efficiently as possible while consistently delivering the high standards of service our customers demand,” a statement released to Edge Online reads.

“We regularly review our entire store portfolio, including our concessions, to maximise the opportunities to reach customers while also ensuring that the business is running as effectively as possible.

“As a result of this review process, and the tougher market conditions that we face in 2010, we have announced our intention to close 12 Game stores, 6 Gamestation stores, and all 25 of our concessions in Debenhams stores. In each location, we have detailed plans to support the customers and employees.

“The majority of the identified sites are located close to another one of our stores, and we will help each customer affected by a closure to transfer to their nearest store as well as our online offerings.

“We will provide extensive support to the teams in each store. However, with deep regret, we have had to offer redundancy to 247 employees. We will do our utmost to redeploy roles if possible, and have started consulting with all affected employees in the 43 sites.

“We are very focused on supporting our people, and thank them for their continued hard work and understanding.

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Dirtyrat -
That really kicks the "game industry is recession proof" theory right in the teeth.