Salvaged Fopp stores snub games

HMV has ruled out any plans to introduce games to its Fopp stores after purchasing the brand name and six of the chain’s most profitable outlets from administrators.

Fopp was forced to close on July 31st after credit problems, which were exacerbated by the acquisition of doomed retail chain Music Zone chain in February. HMV this week obtained Fopp stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Nottingham, Cambridge and London – as well as the retailer’s brand and website – from receiver Ernst and Young for an undisclosed amount of money.

And despite games proving one of HMV’s most successful products in its last full-year financials in May, the company has told MCV that interactive entertainment will not feature in Fopp stores anytime soon.

We’re anxious not to change the Fopp identity and customer experience, so we’ll be keeping the product mix pretty much the same as before,” said spokesperson Gennaro Castaldo.

Games have not been a part of this, and we certainly have no immediate plans to introduce them.”

The retailer hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing in games to Fopp stores completely, however.

Castaldo added: There appears to be little demand for games from Fopp customers at present. If it becomes apparent that demand starts to build we will consider the introduction of games and related products.”