Game sees weaker sales growth

Computer games retailer Game reported a slowdown in sales growth today, but said spending by its customers remained “relatively resilient”.

The group reported like-for-like sales growth of 11.9% in UK and Ireland for the 44 weeks to November 29, weakening to 1.8% over the past 18 weeks.

Game said its previous guidance on full-year trading was unchanged: “To date, our customers’ spending patterns have remained relatively resilient considering the challenges in the wider economy.”

Basingstoke-based Game has been one of the strongest performers on the high street after new products such as Nintendo’s Wii Fit helped to broaden the appeal of gaming.

The company has 701 stores in the UK and Ireland, including 253 sites added following the acquisition of rival Gamestation.

Shares opened 4% lower today.