Grainger expansion takes shape

MCV Award winner Grainger Games has opened its 14th and 15th store in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

The ambitious independent chain told MCV last month of its desire to open seven new outlets this year, and the new shops in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and Captain Cook Square mark the beginning of the expansion.

Our new Hartlepool store opened on Friday 2nd May,” said Grainger Games’ Tony Blenkinsop. There were queues at the door awaiting the 9am opening time. There was great demand for Wii Fit and Grand Theft Auto IV, as we had anticipated.

The Middlesbrough opening was also a resounding success. It was the busiest Saturday trading of any new Grainger Games store, with takings matching our flagship store at the Metrocentre.

We were also giving away balloons to customers, and we had two Lara Croft ladies, plus Sonic, Crash and Spyro to entice new customers in to the new store.”

The Hartlepool shop is being managed by Ian Honour, and the Middlesborough store by James Gee.