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I believe that was their eventual goal but they mismanaged the stores they had so badly (and the company as a whole) that they were forced to move most of their stores out of those high traffic areas and into some strip mall in BFE.

Wait, did they ever have stores in malls?

 KiloFiX wrote:
Wait, did they ever have stores in malls?

They used to. They're all gone now.

They should have a sale.

Some sort of loyalty program? Maybe via points like a Sainsbury Card?

They still have a Store in Merry Hill in the UK ( it's a mall )

 KiloFiX wrote:
I like my local GW because they:
+ Allow FW
+ Allow Unbound
+ Allow any GW formations
+ Play more Maelstrom
+ Insist on painted models
+ Limit use of non-GW models

That doesn't sound like my idea of fun at all.

With the stores they need to close the ones that they can't justify having a 2nd staffer for, and focus on bigger destination bunkers; give customers a reason to visit.

The gaps left by the closing 1-man stores will be picked up by new FLGS, and there's no real loss because they can't provide any value anyway.

They should also start selling franchised stuff - the FFG GW games, codes for their PC/mobile games, FW stuff.

 Peregrine wrote:

 KiloFiX wrote:
Wait, did they ever have stores in malls?

They used to. They're all gone now.

Exactly. Because they didn't work. Instead of ditching the model, GW did what it always does: it doubled down because they couldn't think of something better to do with the money.

But we all know that GW's retail locations aren't working. We know that they cost massively more than the revenue they bring in, and we know that GW has been shooting itself in the foot trying to find a way to control the costs associated with its retail locations. One man stores are a perfect example of why these stores are not working.

GW is not Apple, Mattel, or Lego. GW wishes it was Apple. GW wants to be Apple. But GW is never going to be Apple, especially not if the company keeps flushing money down the retail store toilet.

weeble1000 wrote:
One man stores are a perfect example of why these stores are not working.

One man stores are a great example of why GW are not working. The 6 store trial was successful because the trial managers did a load of stuff beyond the model they were given. Then they had the big assessment meeting where they told management that the model they were given didn't work, but if they make *list of changes* then it does. they were all told they were being too negative and not team players and the model would proceed as originally outlined.

I'm pretty sure one could change a few words in the above paragraph and it would accurately describe the Finecast release as well.

weeble1000 wrote:

 Peregrine wrote:

 KiloFiX wrote:
Wait, did they ever have stores in malls?

They used to. They're all gone now.

Exactly. Because they didn't work. Instead of ditching the model, GW did what it always does: it doubled down because they couldn't think of something better to do with the money.

But we all know that GW's retail locations aren't working. We know that they cost massively more than the revenue they bring in, and we know that GW has been shooting itself in the foot trying to find a way to control the costs associated with its retail locations. One man stores are a perfect example of why these stores are not working.

GW is not Apple, Mattel, or Lego. GW wishes it was Apple. GW wants to be Apple. But GW is never going to be Apple, especially not if the company keeps flushing money down the retail store toilet.

Urm they still have at least 1 in the UK.....

migooo wrote:

Urm they still have at least 1 in the UK.....

In shopping malls? They seem to be moving them out as soon as the leases expire.

Herzlos wrote:

migooo wrote:

Urm they still have at least 1 in the UK.....

In shopping malls? They seem to be moving them out as soon as the leases expire.

I'm not sure if it can go anywhere else Dudley town centre is kinda small.

I would close all the stores and invest that money in merchandisers who went to local shops to foster the community, run events and help out LGS owners.

Oh and spend money on conventions. Again run big tournaments and special events at 3rd party conventions and do Games Day or equivalent at big cities.

Maybe keep stores in big cities, if they can break even on costs.

 Desubot wrote:
Focus on the LFGS and not shaft them.

Remove the 1 man store concept

Bring back the mega bunkers instead in Key locations as mini distribution centers and a showcase type place with awesome terrain and events that people can genuinely get excited for.

My only issue with it is the cliques and groups that eventually take over. so actual management needs to be a thing.

This is totally what they should do.

It is cheaper, smarter and grows their product.

There are quite a few in the UK in shopping centres, and although similar, I do not think these centres are really comparable to US malls, a lot of them are simply used as short cuts and not much else.
I cannot speak for the rest of the world but in the UK the stores are very important, if it were me the only change I would make is to carry more stock and get rid of the in store online ordering stations, they are a travesty.

 Rayvon wrote:
There are quite a few in the UK in shopping centres, and although similar, I do not think these centres are really comparable to US malls, a lot of them are simply used as short cuts and not much else.
I cannot speak for the rest of the world but in the UK the stores are very important, if it were me the only change I would make is to carry more stock and get rid of the in store online ordering stations, they are a travesty.

You've not been to the Big ones like Torchwood or the Aforementioned Merry Hill have you? There exactly like US malls if a bit smaller. Though the New Bull Ring is exactly like one I visited in Buffalo once save for the stupid hubcaps stuck onto the walls.


Honestly I think GW does need to drop the stores now. They stopped being communal gaming hubs about 10 years ago.

If I want products I look elsewhere before GW now ( unless there's a badge or other free gift I want That makes me want to order from them )

We wrote:
I would close all the stores and invest that money in merchandisers who went to local shops to foster the community, run events and help out LGS owners.

Oh and spend money on conventions. Again run big tournaments and special events at 3rd party conventions and do Games Day or equivalent at big cities.

Maybe keep stores in big cities, if they can break even on costs.

I live in the 4th biggest city in england and the one tiny store we have is almost certainly going to close.

I won't play another game in a 1-man store. "Oh, I have to leave all of my painted forgeworld armies laying around while you take a lunch break, and then come back to see some snot-nosed 11 year old fething with my gak?

feth you.

My best experiences with GW stores are from my youth, when I would see these amazingly painted figures and awesome, bespoke boards made by passionate hobbyists.

Now I look down on most of the hurried paintjobs I see and no mater what you do, you can't wow me with a realm of battle board.

They need to become hobby centres again, not nurseries for middle class kids

"What should GW do with its stores and everything else it does Brain?"

"The same thing it should have been doing years ago Pinky, independent market research'.

The B& M stores should be hobby centers , with a reasonable amount of staff,space for gaming and awesome models display stands ..
That work with the local players and collectors to show all the great things the table top war game hobby has to offer. (With a GW focus obviously..)EG how the GW B&M stores used to be run.

These are not primary retail chains but loss leaders to promote positive word of mouth and community spirit around GW .
So a few scattered around the country in major cities would suffice.(Not one in every town and city , low rent areas..in the country!)

Primary retailers are going to be the GW web store, and independent retailers, independent B&M stores should be supported by GW , with incentives to stock and promote gaming and the other hobby related events.(EG Support packs and prized for competitions, tournaments and narrative campaigns.)

Trying to make a 'hobby center' as an efficient retail out let as a web store is never going to work.

However, GW plc would need to compete in the open market if this plan is going to work.
This would mean much higher quality rules writing , (to attract more gamers to increase sales volumes.) , and reducing RRP to be more in line with other games buy in costs.

 kronk wrote:
I won't play another game in a 1-man store. "Oh, I have to leave all of my painted forgeworld armies laying around while you take a lunch break, and then come back to see some snot-nosed 11 year old fething with my gak?

feth you.

Um... I'm 11

Da Stormlord wrote:

 kronk wrote:
I won't play another game in a 1-man store. "Oh, I have to leave all of my painted forgeworld armies laying around while you take a lunch break, and then come back to see some snot-nosed 11 year old fething with my gak?

feth you.

Um... I'm 11

Don't feth with my gak!

*Throws a book*

 Desubot wrote:

 Grey Templar wrote:
Here is what GW needs to do.


1) Close all their stores, shift all sales to third party retailers, only sell a few select products directly. Let your distributors sell your product for you. Its more efficient and saves money in the long run.

2) Outsource all rule production and development to Fantasy Flight Games. People play your games for the rules, so let people who know how to make rules write them.

3) Make package deals that actually save customers money, have regular sales on various holidays. Have starter boxes for each faction that make a legal army and save the customer money. Allow your distributors to charge whatever they want for your product, you've already been paid.

Gasp! but then they would need to actually compete in the market!!!!

They wouldn't actually. If you don't directly sell your product, you don't compete with your own retailers.

Da Stormlord wrote:

We wrote:
I would close all the stores and invest that money in merchandisers who went to local shops to foster the community, run events and help out LGS owners.

Oh and spend money on conventions. Again run big tournaments and special events at 3rd party conventions and do Games Day or equivalent at big cities.

Maybe keep stores in big cities, if they can break even on costs.

I live in the 4th biggest city in england and the one tiny store we have is almost certainly going to close.

If it's the one I'm thinking of yeah almost certainly.

Though the one that was basically a closet is still going so you might be safe.

 kronk wrote:

Da Stormlord wrote:

 kronk wrote:
I won't play another game in a 1-man store. "Oh, I have to leave all of my painted forgeworld armies laying around while you take a lunch break, and then come back to see some snot-nosed 11 year old fething with my gak?

feth you.

Um... I'm 11

Don't feth with my gak!

*Throws a book*

Fair enough.... Just dont mess with mine

Da Stormlord wrote:

 kronk wrote:

Da Stormlord wrote:

 kronk wrote:
I won't play another game in a 1-man store. "Oh, I have to leave all of my painted forgeworld armies laying around while you take a lunch break, and then come back to see some snot-nosed 11 year old fething with my gak?

feth you.

Um... I'm 11

Don't feth with my gak!

*Throws a book*

Fair enough.... Just dont mess with mine

Both of you kids! Offa my lawn!

The Auld Grump

 Rayvon wrote:
There are quite a few in the UK in shopping centres, and although similar, I do not think these centres are really comparable to US malls, a lot of them are simply used as short cuts and not much else.
I cannot speak for the rest of the world but in the UK the stores are very important, if it were me the only change I would make is to carry more stock and get rid of the in store online ordering stations, they are a travesty.

It's kind of different for the Americans since they have a fairly big tournament culture compared to here so there are a lot of stores around selling all different games as well as GW products. They don't see a reason for GW to have their own stores especially in small communities where they muscle in on the local gaming stores. In the end there is no one size fits all solution since in the UK small town GW stores in many cases would be replaced by nothing or a dusty old Hobby shop which is more interested in selling model planes than hosting gaming tables and knows next to nothing about GW games and miniatures except that people buy them.

 Peregrine wrote:


Except there's a big difference: those companies use their own retail stores as a marketing tool. There's an Apple store full of nice shiny iThings in every major mall, where countless people can walk past it and be tempted to come in and take a look. But GW doesn't use their stores this way. They put them in random strip malls in the middle of nowhere, where the only customers that will ever come in are people who already know about GW and want to buy something. So they aren't doing anything that the independent stores aren't already doing, and that makes the GW store completely redundant. It's just an independent store with a smaller range of products to sell, limited hours, and usually less gaming space.

That is the best summary of GW retail I have ever seen and so even handed.
Wd peregrine, you true neutral knight!

 KiloFiX wrote:

 Zaki66 wrote:

 KiloFiX wrote:
I like my local GW because they:
+ Limit use of non-GW models

They allow this??? In a GW shop? Wat?

What I meant was "prevent use of non-GW models"

I don't really have the words. Right now I'd just like to publically register my astonishment.

They really need to close all of the stores, even the ones that still have multiple staff. They just can't compete with a competently-run indie store.

About two weeks ago, I ventured into the Bowie Battle Bunker in Bowie, MD. It was everything I was expecting: limited product range, no FW or FFG products, overly pushy salesman (who would. not. go. away.). The staffer harassing/assisting me even helpfully mentioned that this was the largest GW store on the East Coast!

After that, I drove ~25 minutes to Games and Stuff, a local indie store, which is not only bigger, but carries a better selection of GW products, as well as those of 12+ other companies. The contrast was unbelievable. If full Battle Bunkers can't keep up, how are 1-man stores supposed to manage?