Super-indies still going strong

Not all independent retailers are struggling, with Grainger Games and Alworths opening new stores this week.

Grainger Games will open its 40th store today (Friday, October 1st) in Liverpool. The new outlet can be found in the City Centre on Lord Street, and the opening day is being attended by footy stars Terry McDermott (Liverpool) and David Johnson (Everton).

Meanwhile, general retailer Alworths has opened its 14th store in the MCV hometown of Hertford. The new store finally gives the MCV team, and Hertford locals, a place to buy games (and kilos of pick ‘n’ mix).

Both independents have big ambitions on the High Street. Alworths outlets began appearing at the end of last year with the intention of filling the void left behind by Woolworths. The firm hopes to have as many as 19 stores before the close of 2010.

Grainger meanwhile has dramatically ramped up its store count. Ten outlets have opened in the North of England over the past two months, most recently in Widnes and Castleford. The firm says it could have as many as 50 stores by the end of 2010.