GAME; the Clark Kent of games retail? (Game)

Member Name: TheViolinist

Product:	Game
Date:	12/07/08 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic sale prices.

Disadvantages: Average store, average layout, generally average prices.

GAME is generally a shop that I love to hate. Indeed I'm often heard claiming that 'they will be out of business if they don't lower their prices to compete with online retailers'. If you add a few random curse words to that sentence then you will have, in a nutshell, a short summary of what I think of this store.

I would give this store 3 stars because it is generally nothing more or less than average or run-of-the-mill. But wait...I have given it 4 stars, why? Allow me to explain.


-Shop-

The shop is like pretty much every other games shop in your local high street and you probably wouldn't be able to recognize that you'd walked into GAME if it wasn't for the twenty foot high logo outside.

The layout is average. Games are organized into console order, but not alphabetically, nor are they organized by genre. New and second hand games are usually kept separate but not always. Check the labeling carefully because it's not always easy to tell whether the item your buying is new or second hand.

In my experience of buying from them, it seems to be hit-or-miss whether or not the 'new' games are provided sealed. Although this will probably be considered nit-picky by most, I like a game to be sealed as an assurance of its condition.


-Staff-

The staff are generally quite helpful but most know very little of what constitutes a 'good' game. If you want to know about particular games, always check reviews online first.

There does occasionally come the dreaded 'can I help you' question, particularly when the shop is busy, but what shop doesn't these days?
The worst time, however, was near Christmas when I was asked no less than four times in the space of five minutes whether I needed help; admittedly though, after 3 hours of seasonal shopping, I probably looked half dead at the time.


-Policy-

Usually I don't mention policies but I'll make this a special exception. Especially in recent days, as my friends have been example of, a lot of people seem to be under the impression that games, DVDs, and personal electronics cannot be returned.
This is generally true, there are much stricter rules on returning such items, however; you ARE entitled to a refund or exchange (your choice, not theirs) if the item you buy is faulty; even if the item is second hand. This is true regardless of what the company policy is, as these consumer rights are statute law.


-Prices-

Now, for those of you who were wondering why I awarded the extra star, you will find out here.

Generally, the prices are average at best...but occasionally something magical happens; this mysterious and mystical event is known as a 'sale', and GAME are very good at them.

On my latest visit, I was able to pick up two games that I had spent weeks price-comparing for eight pounds cheaper than I was able to find them anywhere else; including online retailers.
I for one consider it very impressive that they were able to beat online prices when online stores situated in Jersey (where most of them are) are not subject to tax (which is why they can afford to cut prices in the first place).

It is for this reason that I award them an extra shiny...green...star!


-Conclusion-

GAME is just like every other game store, unless there is a sale on. Some of their sale prices beat even the cheapest of online retailers and therefore I believe they deserve extra credit. Other than sale prices, however, the shop has little going for it when compared to other retailers.

Summary: Average, but occasionally super.