The official website for struggling store GAME, which has recently fallen into administration axing over 270 branches (which we named yesterday) and culling around 40% of its work force, has been pulled “for maintenance” with a statement appearing regarding a few important issues facing both the chain and its customers.
Firstly, the notice on the temporary page holder at Game.co.uk names MJA Jervis and SD Maddison as the appointed Joint Administrators in charge of the affairs and business running of GAME and Gamestation and their subsidiaries and properties, stating that this came to action on March 26th. A number of the high street stores, as we’ve previously mentioned, remain open and the statement goes on to read that orders made online are being reviewed and processed, apparently as we speak. But as publishers such as Activision and EA Games recently pulled out en masse we’re unsure of how many orders will be faithfully fulfilled.
A nice gesture, but a gesture somewhat devoid when the statement continues, speaking of the in-store refunds and exchanges policy: “Until further notice, we will not be able to offer refunds or exchanges, unless your item is faulty or not fit for purpose. Your statutory rights will not be affected and we will be able to deal with your refund/exchange accordingly.”
Customers are also outraged by the stores unwillingness to allow reward and gift cards to be redeemed, despite still offering reward points with games purchases. However, online retailer ShopTo has attempted to compensate gamers by allowing them to cash in the rewards in exchange for £3 discounts on their first purchase. This was considered poor taste in light of GAME’s troubles, and the promotion was swiftly pulled.
Of the hundreds of GAME and Gamestation shops closing, all bar three of Ireland’s branches are said to be closing with one team of dedicated staffers staging a sit in in a last ditch attempt to keep their store alive.
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