MCV Awards Finalists Part 3

Independent Retailer

This award is for the independent games retailer judged to offer the strongest customer service, product knowledge, range, plus window and in-store merchandising. A solus store can win, but the retailer must not have more than 50 outlets in total. Last year’s winner was ePlay, beating off competition from Chips, Ninja Games and Playtime. This year’s finalists are:-

Playtime Multimedia
Console Connection
Grainger Games
Powerplay
Ninja Games

Specialist Retailer

his award is for any specialist video games/home computing retailer active on the High Street or online judged to offer the strongest customer service, product knowledge, range, plus window and in-store merchandising. Last year’s finalists included, Gamestation, GameStop, CEX and Chips, but it was GAME which went home victorious. The finalists are:-

GAME
Gamestation
CHIPS
Gameseek
Gamestop

Entertainment Retailer

The strength of the interactive entertainment market – alongside the decline in music and DVD sales – has meant that all forward-thinking entertainment retailers have a significant games offering. Last year’s victor was HMV. But who has done the most in pushing their offering forwards this year? The finalists are:-

HMV
Zavvi
Woolworths
Blockbuster
Asda

Online Retailer

No-one would argue against the rising importance of online retail generally – and in the games space it is more pronounced than many other sectors. This award takes into consideration customer service and delivery, product knowledge and range, commitment to street dates, marketing and sales growth. Last year’s winner was Play.com, and this year’s finalists are:-

Play.com
Amazon
Gameseek
Shopto.com
Tgrav.com

Star Store

A well-deserved recognition of the team behind an independent’s success or the staff within a chain’s individual outlet, this award recognises the sales performance, but also the commitment and service to customers above and beyond the call of duty. The award was won last year by Gamestation’s Birmingham store on New Street and this years finalists are:-

Gamestation Hull
Playtime Multimedia, Doncaster
Gamestation, Birmingham
Zavvi, Oxford Street
HMV, Trocodero