Revealed: Game stores that will close

Administrators for stricken entertainment group Game are closing of hundreds of stores with the loss of thousands of jobs, it emerged today.

Eight outlets in Staffordshire and the Black Country were shut today, including shops in Stafford, Cannock, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

Scores of jobs will go in the region and more than 2,000 nationwide as a result Game and Gamestation stores being closed by administrators PwC.

The shops in the region that have shut are in Gaolgate Street, Stafford; Market Hall Street, Cannock; Old Square Shopping Centre, Walsall; Churchill Parade, Dudley; Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Dudley; Dudley Street, Wolverhampton; The Cornbow Centre, Halesowen and a shop in Worcester Street, Kidderminster.

The closures are among 277 shops shutting that will trigger the loss of 2,104 jobs across the UK. However, the remaining 333 stores will continue to trade while a buyer is sought.

These include the other of the two Game stores in Dudley Street Wolverhampton along with the Gamestation shop in the city's Wulfrun Centre. Game in Park Street, Walsall will also remain open as well as the shop in Queens Square, West Bromwich and one of the two Merry Hill shops.

Mike Jervis, joint administrator and partner at PwC, said: "The recent job losses are regrettable but will place the company in a stronger position while we explore opportunities to conclude a sale. My team and I will be doing all we can to help the affected employees."

The chain's demise follows a string of profit warnings and the failure of nervous suppliers, including Electronic Arts and Nintendo, to go on providing new games.

The retailer had a £21 million rent bill due yesterday and faces a £12m wage bill this weekend.