1. Company Name: Beatniks
City/Town: Norwich
Postal Code: NR3 1JE
Street Address: 50 Magdalen St
Country: UK
2. Company Name: Chris Evans Golf
City/Town: Waltham Cross
Postal Code: EN8 7EA
Street Address: 7A, High St
Country: UK
3. Company Name: Aerial Perspectives Photography
City/Town: Weybridge
Postal Code: KT13 9NZ
Street Address: 30 Beechcroft Manor
Country: UK
4. Company Name: Apex Interface Ltd
City/Town: Exeter
Postal Code: EX4 3SR
Street Address: Queensgate House, 48, Queen St
Country: UK
5. Company Name: Planet Game Hub Ltd
City/Town: Gravesend
Postal Code: DA11 0TD
Street Address: 24 Wakefield St, St. Georges Centre
Country: UK
6. Company Name: Direct Deals
City/Town: Bradford
Postal Code: BD12 0TJ
Street Address: 252a Huddersfield Rd
Country: UK
7. Company Name: Shogun Games
City/Town: Stafford
Postal Code: ST16 2AJ
Street Address: 47-48, Mill St
Country: UK
8. Company Name: Technohype Ltd
City/Town: Sheffield
Postal Code: S1 2BG
Street Address: Aspect Court, Level 6, Pond Hill
Country: UK
9. Company Name: Honiton Tech Shop
City/Town: Honiton
Postal Code: EX14 1LR
Street Address: Unit 13 Lace Walk
Country: UK
10. Company Name: Red Rock Records
City/Town: Poole
Postal Code: BH15 1NX
Street Address: 4 North St
Country: UK
11. Company Name: Pace Tech Ltd
City/Town: Birmingham
Postal Code: B7 5AR
Street Address: Unit 7 Boultbee Business Units, Nechells Place
Country: UK
12. Company Name: Any Gadget Repair
City/Town: Birmingham
Postal Code: B18 4QG
Street Address: Unit 5, 10, Great Western Close
Country: UK
13. Company Name: Zap Video Games
City/Town: Sheffield
Postal Code: S6 1TG
Street Address: 289 Middlewood Rd
Country: UK
14. Company Name: Super Games World
City/Town: Middlesbrough
Postal Code: TS1 1LB
Street Address: 55 Newport Rd
Country: UK
15. Company Name: Bits & Pc’s St Austell
City/Town: St. Austell
Postal Code: PL25 5LS
Street Address: 19 Trinity St
Country: UK
16. Company Name: The Works Nantwich
City/Town: Nantwich
Postal Code: CW5 5DB
Street Address: 43 High St
Country: UK
17. Company Name: Duncan Lambert Golf Shop Within West Malling Golf Club
City/Town: West Malling
Postal Code: ME19 5AR
Street Address: Trottiscliffe Rd
Country: UK
18. Company Name: Phone City
City/Town: London
Postal Code: N14 5PA
Street Address: 34 Chase Side
Country: UK
19. Company Name: The VoiceOver Voice Ltd
City/Town: Guildford
Postal Code: GU4 7HX
Street Address: Portofino Studios, 1a Glendale Drive
Country: UK
20. Company Name: Surelock International Ltd
City/Town: Beckenham
Postal Code: BR3 1LR
Street Address: Knights Court, 85, Kings Hall Rd
Country: UK
21. Company Name: Asda Superstore
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M27 4BR
Street Address: 15 Wellington Rd
Country: UK
22. Company Name: Annova UK Ltd
City/Town: Stanmore
Postal Code: HA7 3DS
Street Address: 37 Stanmore Hill
Country: UK
23. Company Name: Bargain Games UK Ltd
City/Town: Paignton
Postal Code: TQ4 7QL
Street Address: Unit 1, Yalberton Ind Est, Alders Way
Country: UK
24. Company Name: Gadget Echos
City/Town: Stoke-On-Trent
Postal Code: ST3 7JE
Street Address: 59 Meir Road
Country: UK
25. Company Name: Just for Ewe Ltd
City/Town: Coniston
Postal Code: LA21 8ED
Street Address: Fairfield House, Tilberthwaite Avenue
Country: UK
26. Company Name: Game City
City/Town: Sheffield
Postal Code: S1 4PF
Street Address: 43 The Moor
Country: UK
27. Company Name: Console Concepts
City/Town: Burton-on-Trent
Postal Code: DE14 1BT
Street Address: 76A Station St
Country: UK
28. Company Name: Retro Play
City/Town: Stourbridge
Postal Code: DY8 1DT
Street Address: 132 High St
Country: UK
29. Company Name: Games Workshop
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M17 8BL
Street Address: 18 Peel Ave
Country: UK
30. Company Name: Game Vault
City/Town: Banstead
Postal Code: SM7 2NS
Street Address: 121 High St
Country: UK
31. Company Name: Games Centre
City/Town: Halesowen
Postal Code: B63 4AF
Street Address: 1 Church Walk
Country: UK
32. Company Name: Replay Video Games
City/Town: Loughborough
Postal Code: LE11 2TQ
Street Address: 57 High St
Country: UK
33. Company Name: Game Knight
City/Town: Southampton
Postal Code: SO17 2NF
Street Address: 201 Portswood Rd
Country: UK
34. Company Name: Console King
City/Town: Stoke-on-Trent
Postal Code: ST4 1AT
Street Address: 32 Liverpool Rd
Country: UK
35. Company Name: Game Realm
City/Town: York
Postal Code: YO1 9TX
Street Address: 17 Walmgate
Country: UK
36. Company Name: Retro Nation
City/Town: Luton
Postal Code: LU1 3EP
Street Address: 22-24 Park St
Country: UK
37. Company Name: Level Up Games
City/Town: Hastings
Postal Code: TN34 3ER
Street Address: 44 High St
Country: UK
38. Company Name: Pixel Play
City/Town: London
Postal Code: NW1 6XN
Street Address: 5 Park Rd
Country: UK
39. Company Name: Game Corner
City/Town: Croydon
Postal Code: CR0 1ND
Street Address: 112 High St
Country: UK
40. Company Name: Nerd Haven
City/Town: Harrogate
Postal Code: HG1 1RL
Street Address: 19 Main St
Country: UK
41. Company Name: Game Masters
City/Town: Gloucester
Postal Code: GL1 4SH
Street Address: 23 High St
Country: UK
42. Company Name: Control Zone
City/Town: Nottingham
Postal Code: NG1 6DQ
Street Address: 18 Market Pl
Country: UK
43. Company Name: Gamer’s Paradise
City/Town: Durham
Postal Code: DH1 3RB
Street Address: 50 Silver St
Country: UK
44. Company Name: Game Stop
City/Town: Preston
Postal Code: PR1 3NU
Street Address: 75 Guildhall St
Country: UK
45. Company Name: Pixel Arcade
City/Town: Bristol
Postal Code: BS1 3JA
Street Address: 31 The Arcade
Country: UK
46. Company Name: Game On
City/Town: South Shields
Postal Code: NE33 1DP
Street Address: 90 King St
Country: UK
47. Company Name: Console City
City/Town: Ipswich
Postal Code: IP1 1EP
Street Address: 8 Arcade St
Country: UK
48. Company Name: Gaming Universe
City/Town: East Kilbride
Postal Code: G74 4JH
Street Address: 53 Main St
Country: UK
49. Company Name: Level X
City/Town: Worcester
Postal Code: WR1 2QE
Street Address: 9 High St
Country: UK
50. Company Name: Retro Hub
City/Town: Ilford
Postal Code: IG1 1DE
Street Address: 123 High Rd
Country: UK
Video game stores in England, UK, serve as important hubs for both avid gamers and casual players, offering a wide range of products, from the latest gaming consoles and software to accessories, collectibles, and merchandise. As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, video game stores have adapted to meet the needs of gamers, providing not just products but also a sense of community and culture. This discussion will explore the types of video game stores found in England, the products they offer, the services they provide, and the challenges they face in an ever-changing market.
Types of Video Game Stores in England
- Independent Game Shops: Independent video game stores are typically small, locally-owned businesses that cater to the unique needs of their communities. These stores often focus on niche markets, such as retro games, collectible items, or rare and limited edition products. Independent shops may also host events, gaming tournaments, and offer specialized services, including video game repair or retro console restorations. These shops often build close relationships with their customers, offering personalized advice and recommendations. Examples include Super Retro Game Store in Manchester and Game Over in Birmingham.
- Chain Video Game Stores: Larger chain stores dominate the high street video game retail scene in England. Well-known names like GAME, CEX, and HMV have multiple locations across the UK and offer a wide variety of gaming products. These stores provide everything from new game releases to pre-owned games, consoles, and accessories. Due to their size and reach, chain stores can offer competitive pricing and promotions, making them attractive to a wide range of customers.
- GAME is one of the UK’s leading gaming retailers, with both physical stores and an online presence. It is known for stocking the latest games, consoles, accessories, and exclusive pre-order bonuses for upcoming releases.
- CEX (Complete Entertainment Exchange) specializes in buying and selling pre-owned games, consoles, and other entertainment products, such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and tech gadgets. Their vast selection of second-hand games attracts budget-conscious gamers.
- HMV is a popular entertainment retailer with a dedicated gaming section, offering a range of new games and gaming-related merchandise, including vinyl records and gaming soundtracks.
- Retro and Specialist Video Game Stores: A growing market for retro gaming has led to the rise of specialist video game shops that focus on vintage and classic games. These stores offer everything from old-school consoles like the NES and Sega Genesis to hard-to-find game cartridges, manuals, and accessories. They also provide retro gaming consoles and original hardware for collectors or those looking to relive the past. Retro Games Ltd in Brighton and The Retro Store in London are examples of stores that specialize in retro gaming.
- Online Game Retailers: While not physical stores, online retailers such as Amazon, ShopTo, and Zavvi offer convenience, often with discounted prices, for those looking to buy video games, consoles, or accessories. These stores operate with fast shipping services and frequently offer sales on new and pre-owned gaming products. In addition, Digital Download Stores such as Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Nintendo eShop have become a key part of the gaming landscape, allowing customers to purchase and download games directly to their devices without needing a physical store.
- Game Stores with Café or Community Spaces: Some stores, especially in larger cities, combine video game retail with a social space, such as cafés or dedicated gaming lounges. These venues offer a place for gamers to meet up, try out new games, and participate in tournaments. For example, Game Vault in Liverpool is a store that blends gaming culture with a café setting, where gamers can grab a coffee while playing their favorite titles. These hybrid stores appeal to a growing trend of social gaming, where the experience goes beyond just purchasing products.
Products Sold in Video Game Stores
- Consoles:
- Gaming Consoles: These stores offer the latest gaming consoles from major manufacturers such as Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Whether it’s the newest PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a Nintendo Switch OLED, video game stores keep up-to-date with the latest hardware.
- Accessories: Gaming stores sell accessories like controllers, charging stations, headsets, external hard drives, VR headsets, and gaming keyboards/mice. With the rise of esports and competitive gaming, high-performance accessories are in high demand.
- Custom Consoles and Modding Kits: Some stores offer limited edition consoles or accessories, as well as modding kits for gamers who like to customize their hardware.
- Video Games:
- New and Pre-Owned Games: Video game stores carry both new releases and second-hand games. Pre-owned games are typically sold at a lower price, making them an attractive option for gamers on a budget. Stores like CEX are known for their wide selection of used games, often spanning multiple generations of consoles.
- Game Bundles: Some stores offer game bundles, which are special deals where you can purchase multiple games at a reduced price. These bundles often coincide with sales events or promotional periods like Black Friday.
- Merchandise:
- Gaming Collectibles: From Funko Pop figurines and action figures to posters, clothing, and keychains, video game stores also stock various merchandise related to popular gaming franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Halo, and Minecraft.
- Game Soundtracks: With the rise in popularity of gaming music, many video game stores now sell soundtracks from iconic games, often on vinyl or CD.
- Clothing: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats featuring gaming logos or designs are a popular item in many game stores, especially those targeting younger audiences.
- Gaming PCs and Accessories:
- For PC gamers, stores offer custom-built gaming PCs, graphics cards, gaming monitors, and peripherals like mechanical keyboards, gaming mice, and chairs designed for extended play sessions.
Services Offered by Video Game Stores
- Trade-Ins and Pre-Owned Sales: Many video game stores allow customers to trade in their old games and consoles for cash or store credit. This trade-in model helps the store maintain an inventory of second-hand products at lower prices. CEX is particularly well-known for this service, offering a wide range of pre-owned games and consoles at discounted prices.
- Pre-Orders and Special Editions: Video game stores often offer customers the chance to pre-order new releases. In some cases, customers who pre-order a game receive exclusive in-game content, limited-edition merchandise, or early access. This service is especially popular with highly anticipated titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Grand Theft Auto V.
- Game Repairs and Console Repairs: Many stores offer repair services for gaming consoles, controllers, and sometimes even handheld devices. This service is crucial for customers whose equipment has been damaged or is no longer functioning properly.
- Gaming Events and Tournaments: Larger video game stores, especially in metropolitan areas, often host gaming events, tournaments, and release parties. These events provide an opportunity for fans to meet fellow gamers, try out new games, and compete in friendly competition.
Challenges Faced by Video Game Stores
- Digital Distribution: The growing popularity of digital game downloads via platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and console-specific stores (PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace) has led to a decline in demand for physical copies of games. This has forced traditional video game stores to adapt by offering exclusive content, pre-owned games, and collectibles.
- Online Retailers and Price Competition: Video game stores face fierce competition from online retailers such as Amazon, where customers can often find better prices, faster delivery, and easier comparison shopping. To remain competitive, physical stores need to offer unique services, a superior in-store experience, or price matching.
- Changing Consumer Habits: With the rise of free-to-play games and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now, gamers are increasingly choosing digital subscriptions over purchasing individual titles. This shift challenges traditional video game retail models that rely on single game sales.
- Economic Pressures: Video game consoles and games can be expensive, especially with new releases. As the cost of living rises, many consumers may limit their spending on gaming, impacting retail sales.
Conclusion
Video game stores in England continue to be an integral part of the gaming culture, offering a wide range of products, services, and experiences for all types of gamers. Despite facing challenges from digital distribution, online competition, and changing consumer habits, these stores have found ways to adapt by providing personalized services, hosting gaming events, and offering unique products like retro games and collectibles. Whether through independent shops, chain retailers, or specialized outlets, video game stores remain vital in helping to cultivate the thriving gaming community in the UK.