Game store returns to town (From This Is Wiltshire)

A HIGH street chain which disappeared from Swindon earlier this year is set to welcome customers back today.

A total of 14 staff were made redundant in March after computer game retailer, GAME, closed stores in Havelock Street and Regent Street when its parent company, Game Group, went into administration.

The Regent Street store is reopening this morning and store director Dave Howard said the firm was delighted to be back.

“We are so pleased to be able to return high street gaming to Swindon,” he said.

“We have missed being part of the community on Regent Street, but now we are back and ready to get our game on once more.”

It was announced in March that the Game Group, which has 609 stores in the UK and employs more than 6,000 people, had gone into administration after talks with its lenders failed.

Seven staff from each store were made redundant It is not yet clear if the same staff have been re-employed at the store.

In a bid to tackle the problem, GAME announced a store closure programme which would have seen 60 stores close by Christmas 2013.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said the re-opening was good news for the town.

“It is encouraging that GAME is maintaining its presence in the town centre,” he said.

“It comes after increased footfall in Swindon in August by 3.5 per cent. We are still continuing to buck the trend by getting increasing numbers in the town centre, which is encouraging in these difficult times.”

Council leader Rod Bluh added: “It is a very difficult time for retail and the fact they are showing confidence in Swindon is very encouraging.

“I hope it will be an example that will be followed by others.”

The retailer will be treating customers to opening day deals today.

Regional manager Ben Collard said: “I am really looking forward to opening our doors.”