GAME set to close 40 stores across the UK – is your local shop closing down?
HIGH street video game store GAME plans to close 40 stores across the UK.
The chain has already served notice on 13 branches in areas such as Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester.
And this week it served notice on another 14 locations in Derby, Norwich Chapelfield, Lakeside, Bexleyheath and Carmarthen.
GAME said it plans to do the same on the additional 23 sites in "the near future", but hasn't yet shared a full list.
The retailer hasn't told The Sun how many staff members will be affected by the move, but said it could lead to "a number of job losses".
According to its most recent results, GAME's pre-tax profits rose to £14.8million in the six months to the end of January 2019 - up from £12.3million on the previous year.
But the chain is struggling due to a challenging high street market and high rents.
The announcement comes just a day after John Lewis warned that it may have to cut the yearly staff bonus for the first time in 67 years due to low profits.
HMV also quietly decided to close or relocate several of its stores over the festive period.
GAME currently has more than 300 shops according to its website. You can find your nearest one using .
A spokesperson for GAME said: "We are working closely with landlords throughout the UK to ensure that we do not have to vacate the 40 locations which could lead to a number of job losses.
"However, we are facing a challenging retail market and GAME with its extensive retail footprint, needs to restructure and landlords need to work with us in setting realistic, fair rents."
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The announcement comes after warnings in June that GAME could be forced to close more shops under plans by Sports Direct.
Mike Ashley's firm had previously owned 30 per cent of the game shop chain, but bought another 10 per cent at the time.
This week, Mothercare confirmed the last of its stores will close for good this Sunday.