The beloved Game store in Bradford’s The Broadway shopping center is closing its doors this weekend, leaving a void for gamers in the area. Established in 1992 and acquired by former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley in 2019, Game has been a mainstay of the British high street, weathering the challenges of shifting consumer habits.
However, the store, known for its wide selection of consoles, headsets, and board games, including popular brands like Playstation and Xbox, will be closing its doors on Saturday, November 9th. To commemorate the closure, the branch is offering a generous 20% discount on all full-price items, giving shoppers one last chance to snag their gaming essentials.
Despite the impending closure, the shopping center assures shoppers that a new retailer will be taking over the space, with fashion and beauty brands set to arrive in the coming weeks. This news follows the arrival of a Primark store earlier in September, replacing the former Debenhams unit. Lifestyle brand Sapphire and beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals are also expected to open their doors before the end of the year.
Despite the anticipation of new brands, shoppers are expressing their sadness over the departure of Game. Social media is buzzing with messages of disappointment, with one Facebook user writing: “Yet another one closes.” Another lamented: “RIP Bradford.” The closure reflects a broader trend within the Game chain, operated by the Frasers Group, which has seen a string of store closures across the UK. Since October 2023, nearly a dozen Game stores have shuttered in England and Wales, including locations in Nuneaton, Witney, and Plymouth.
While the arrival of new retailers in The Broadway is sure to bring a fresh wave of excitement to shoppers, the closure of the Game store serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of retail and the enduring appeal of familiar brands. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Game retailer, but for now, shoppers in Bradford will have to look elsewhere for their gaming needs.
