Gav Pearson is flying high after scooping a top award.
Gav, who opened his CHIPS video games store in Dudley’s Trident Shopping Centre in August 2006, had just scooped the chain’s Newcomer of the Year Award at its sixth annual conference.
CHIPS is the biggest independent video games specialist in the UK and has more than 30 stores from Glasgow to the South coast.
Gavin, who is originally from Hartlepool, opened his store after spending eight years working as a systems and software consultant for the MOD.
The award, sponsored by Sony, was presented at CHIPS Annual Conference held at Ramside Hall, Co Durham, at the weekend. (October 14). Gav received a store plaque, an engraved trophy and £250 from Anton Boyle, Sony Brand Manager.
Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, EA, Ubisoft, Activision, THQ, Hobby Games, Team Playstation and Computer Bookshops all exhibited at the event.
The award was presented to the franchisee who, in the judges’ opinion, has shown the greatest level of commitment to the CHIPS’ network and brand and the highest level of enthusiasm for the franchise ethos, both within store and outside it.
A delighted Gav said: “I was thrilled to win the award and also to have been shortlisted for the Store of the Year Award considering I have only been open just over a year.
“We work very hard at Dudley to provide a great range of product and give fantastic customer service. However, we also like to make visits to the store fun and are often organising store events which all the staff get involved in.”
CHIPS Joint Managing Director Nik Agar said: “After watching his old college chum James Tildesley, who now runs CHIPS Consett and Chester Le Street, for two years, Gav took the plunge and joined CHIPS.
“Since opening CHIPS Dudley he has thrown himself whole-heartedly into his business.
“Gav arranges lots of promotion days, raises money for charity and his turnover is continuing to grow. He has passed on his enthusiasm to his staff and they all seem to really enjoy dressing up.”
CHIPS Dudley buys, sells and trades new and second-hand consoles, games, DVDs and accessories for all major platforms and retro.
It is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, and sells all the latest Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo consoles, games and accessories plus a host of PC, retro and second-hand products.
CHIPS, which is based in the North-east, has more than 30 stores across the country from Glasgow to the south coast and an award-winning e-commerce site, www.chipsworld.co.uk.
OCTOBER 2007
For further information contact Gavin Pearson on 01384 458531. This release and hi-res photographs can be downloaded from our photos section.
