CeX expansion inspires indies

Computer Exchange has opened its sixth store in 2012, taking its global tally to 171.

The retailer – which buys and sells second-hand games, consoles, DVDs and phones – has just opened branches in Banbury, Gravesend and Dalston. It set up shops in St Helens, Glasgow and Poole earlier this year, as well as ones in Spain and the US.

This means CeX now has 143 stores in the UK and 28 international outlets overall.

And its impressive growth has influenced indies to expand their product range.

It’ll be very hard to survive in the future unless you’re willing to totally change and open your mind to stocking different products,” Extreme Gamez’ owner Stuart Benson told MCV.

We’re not afraid to try new things out. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. We trade in goods similar to CeX and we try to change offers and promotions to keep things fresh.”

Roxanne Skinner from Doncaster indie Coolspot added: Games retailers will become more like CeX stores, stocking a wide range of entertainment goods.”

Indies have been staying relevant in today’s market by stocking more non-gaming products.

Gameseek MD Stephen Staley said: It depends how successful you want to be. Do you specialise in games, or making money? The more diverse product range the better, as long as you don’t lose your identity.”