The Altrincham branch of Grainger Games has closed down.
The independent video game retailer, based on George Street in the Stamford Quarter, posted a notice on its window blaming “the nature of retail at this moment in time”.
The sign continued: “The business has decided that this store is to be closed as of today. If you have any questions about any deposits you may have, please contact head office at 0191 218 1820.”
Eurogamer reported earlier today that the retailer had emailed almost a third of its 67 shops – all of which are based in the North – ordering them not to open today.
It quoted an email stating: “We regret to inform you that we require you to close your store imminently due to the ongoing issues surrounding the business‘s critical financial situation,.
“Your store will unfortunately be closed as of today. Please DO NOT open your store this morning.”
The shops instructed to close included those in Altrincham, Sale and Stretford.
The email added: “The business is still in discussions with potential bidders but unfortunately even though we have tried to avoid this situation your store could not be included as any part of any future bids therefore we have been left with no other choice than to cease trading as from today 28/03/2018.
“Staff in your stores will be paid for all hours worked through until Sunday 31st of March and we require you to assist us with this shutdown process using those hours.”
Named after the Newcastle market in which it started trading in 1996, Grainger last year made an operating loss of £1.3m after its turnover dipped to £48.7m. In 2016 the firm had reported an operating loss of £223,000 and revenues of £51.1m.
