Games get convenience store boost

Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons say they will push games through their local convenience stores.

All three already sell games through smaller outlets, but usually focus on major launches such as Call of Duty and FIFA.

Although there are no plans to stock a wider range of games, the grocers’ buyers acknowledge that recent store closures from Blockbuster and HMV is an opportunity for them.

We already sell major releases from convenience stores,” said Sainsbury’s games boss Gurdeep Hunjan. And we are also looking at others.”

Morrisons games buyer Simon Millea added: Morrisons currently has a range of DVDs in convenience stores, and we have supported triple-A games launches such as FIFA and CoD in our M Local Stores last year. This activity will more than likely be planned again this year.”

Morrisons has increased its ‘M’ store-base by acquiring 55 Blockbuster and HMV outlets. It expects to beat its target of opening 70 convenience shops this year, and offers 500 to staff that help find new premises.

Asda’s games boss Craig Thirkell told MCV last week: As access to games closes down, the local format will become more important.”