GAME confirms closure of 19 stores

UK retailer GAME's said that 19 of its stores have closed as part of slimming-down measure announced last April, GI reports.

The chain will close 85 shops across a three-year period, as well as dropping 25 outlets that were installed in Debenhams outlets.

"You will remember that last April we announced plans to close 85 UK stores over three years, to reach 550 by the end of 2013," said regional MD Martyn Gibbs in a statement.

"This was part of a detailed review to ensure that our stores are in the right locations for our customers, and we have already started to move some locations accordingly.

"Since the statement in April 2010, we have opened or relocated 13 stores and closed 19, as well as 25 Debenhams concessions. This year we will continue with this strategy and we have now informed 19 stores that we are proposing closure in the coming weeks.

"This is never easy news to announce and I am fully aware of the impact of these decisions on our people. We are fully committed to finding alternative roles for those who are potentially impacted by the decisions."

The group announced plunging profits in April 2010.