Indie chain acquires distributor

Games retail might be tougher than ever but one independent retailer is flourishing.

Mad 4 Gamez – which has stores in Hackney and Hornchurch – has just acquired supplier Universal Games Distribution and Portugal-based indie Extreme Gamer.

I decided to buy Universal Games because all I think of is how to progress in this business,” sales director Steve Barrett (above left) told MCV. I started selling games at 17 on the market stalls. I’m 37 now, so in 2009 I opened Mad 4 Gamez in Hackney.

I knew Universal was struggling. They had only been in business for a short time and never realised how hard it can be to compete in this market. I see Grainger Games growing, and I’d love to openas many or more shops than them.”