MELKSHAM’S independent game shop, Gamingalore will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday 25th October.
After 10 years in the centre of Melksham, Gamingalore is calling it a day, saying small shops can no longer compete against supermarkets and online giants Amazon.
Shaun Bailey, the owner and manager of Gamingalore said, “ I’ve really enjoyed working in the town and it is with much regret that I’ve had to make the decision to close.
“However, the economic downturn has made business difficult for all. Following this, the opening of Asda – who have the ability to undercut the prices offered by independent retailers – has led to many stores such as mine no longer being profitable.
“Finally online sites such as Amazon are able to sell new products cheaper than they could be purchased by the independent retailer from official stockists. As a result, renewing the shop’s lease and remaining in business is no longer viable. I’d like to say a very big thank you to Melksham for all your loyalty and custom over the last 10 years. Please come and see us before we close; we’re having a closing down sale with up to 50% off, so why not come and start your Christmas shopping early?”
Gamingalore is not the first shop in Melksham to close in the shadow of online retailers. The Sewing Basket this year announced its closure after 24 years, when owner Lynne Jones said, “People shop elsewhere; the town sometimes seems to be deserted and if this trend continues many more shops may have to make the same decision that we have had to make.”