Mike Smith

Jenny Smith

CHIPS Arnold

CHIPS ARNOLD

Inside CHIPS Arnold

Inside CHIPS Arnold

WALLEE at CHIPS Arnold

 

STORE LOCATOR

DIARY DATES

STORE NEWS

CHIPS GAMERS HAVE HOTTEST NEWS AT FINGERTIPS

CHIPS Arnold customers now the hottest news from the world of video games at their fingertips.

The store, which is part of the UK’s largest independent games chain, has been testing the very latest interactive information system – the Xplace Games Advisor – with great results.

Visitors to the store in Croft Road, Arnold, can now access comprehensive information about the latest releases, Top Ten charts, recommendations and the complete games product range of the store, including pre-owned.

Gamers will have access to product descriptions, product images, trailers and screenshots on each.

Additionally, the interactive terminals inform about the age ratings and the different consoles on which games are available. Customers are able to search for their favourite product directly or are given advice via different category searches, for example children’s software.

CHIPS staff pride themselves on offering excellent customer service and product knowledge, but this kiosk terminal, supplied by German manufacturer Xplace GmbH, allows them check information themselves when stores are busy.

Jennie Smith, franchisee of CHIPS Arnold, said: “After a one-month trial we are very happy with the Xplace games advisor. Our customers really love to hunt for their favourite games on the games terminal.

“It’s also become extremely useful for our customers looking at the pre-owned games we sell in-store”, said Jennie, who runs the store with dad, Mike.

Ian Laycock, UK Sales Manager for Xplace GmbH, said: “Our terminals have been very well accepted by CHIPS customers.

“Some stores are recording more than 2,000 clicks a week, which is excellent for independent games stores.”

Currently CHIPS has almost 30 stores in the UK, both owned and franchised. Each store buys, sells and trades new and second-hand consoles, games and accessories.

DAUGHTER SCORE A DOUBLE

Nottinghamshire father and daughter Mike & Jenny Smith have scooped a top award for the second time in four years.

The duo, who own CHIPS Arnold, scooped CHIPS Franchisee of the Year Award, at the video games retailers’ 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.

Mike, 54, and Jenny, 25, have been running their CHIPS store in Croft Road, Arnold, since 2002 and they won the video games retailer’s very first Franchisee of the Year Award in 2004.

The award, sponsored by CP Waites accountancy firm, was presented at CHIPS Conference at Ramside Hall, Co Durham, at the weekend. (October 14). Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Activision, EA, Ubisoft, THQ, Hobby Games, Team Playstation and Computer Bookshops all exhibited at the event.

Jenny and Mike’s store was praised for its fabulous performance and top quality service and beat 20 other franchisees to the top title. They received £250 worth of vouchers, an engraved plaque for their store and an engraved glass trophy from Nick Waites, Managing Director of CP Waites.

“We were shocked to win this award again and I’m particularly pleased for Jenny as she works so hard,” said Mike. “We have been open more than five years now and we still really enjoy it.

“It does get tougher in some ways and we are busier than ever and it is great to see our hard work being recognised. You certainly get out what you put into this business.”

Although Mike & Jenny work full time in the store it really is a family affair. Wife Anne, eldest daughter Katie, nephew, Robert, and even Mike’s mum and dad have had a hand in its success.

“Mike and Jenny were the winners of the first Franchisee Award in 2004 and are ever-present in the short-list for this award each year,” said CHIPS Joint MD Don McCabe.

“Their store is consistently the top performer in the country and both work extremely hard to keep it in shape and provide superb customer service. Mike and Jenny are really superb franchisees.”

CHIPS buys, sells and trades more than 3,000 product lines including consoles from all the big players Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, along with games, accessories and DVDS. It is open Monday to Saturday.

OCTOBER 2007