Game has set out plans to close 40 stores in the UK, with intu and NewRiver REIT among the landlords worst affected so far.
The retailer said that it served notice on 14 stores on 8 January, “impacting outlets owned mostly by intu and New River”. These included Derby, Norwich Chapelfield, Lakeside, Bexleyheath and Carmarthen.
Game has served notice on a further 13 locations to date, including Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester.
It intends to close the additional stores “in the near future”. It has implied that the overall count is subject to discussions with landlords regarding rents.
A spokesman for Game said: “We are working closely with landlords throughout the UK to ensure that we do not have to vacate the 40 locations, which could lead to a number of job losses.
“However, we are facing a challenging retail market and Game with its extensive retail footprint, needs to restructure and landlords need to work with us in setting realistic, fair rents.”
CBRE was appointed to advise Game on its store portfolio in October. It operated 259 stores at the time, as well as 21 Belong e-sports arenas.
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