Expansion's name of game for stallholders

Jun 11 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

The emergence of video games as an entertainment medium which now outstrips sales of music and movies has not been dampened by the recession.

As well as Grainger Games’ speedy growth, global firms such as Sony have prospered as consumers save money by entertaining themselves at home.

Sony recently saw ordered sales of its PSP games console soar by 500% after making it available on Amazon.com. Before launching Grainger Games, managing director Steven Bowyer worked as a chef alongside Mr Sibley at the Marriott Hotel in the MetroCentre, Gateshead.

Mr Sibley went on to launch his own gourmet sandwiches business which he eventually folded before joining Grainger Games.

The retailer currently has stores between Hamilton and Kilmarnock north of the border and Sunderland, Durham and Newcastle.

Its most recent opening was on Shields Road in Byker, Newcastle,

The company has a fleet of promotional vehicles, including an orange Hummer kitted out with games consoles and plasma TV screens, to plug games releases.