The self-proclaimed fastest growing US specialist chain is making plans to transition accross the pond to the UK and do battle with old-fashioned retailers like GAME.

The franchise based company has told MCV that it plans to have stores up and running in the UK by the second quarter of 2009, and if they locate the right partner they may arrive before the end of 2008.

“The US is definitely ahead in the games retailing arena.” Play N Trade CEO Roger Lloyd told MCV. “Our in-store design is very cutting-edge, and our training, support and customer service is second-to-none.

“Our entry point into the UK will move the evolution of games stores forward faster. We’re going to raise the bar.”

The presence of leading UK retailer GAME does not seem to deter the company. Following the acquisition by GAME of Gamestation there is no clear independent game retailer in the UK, and certainly nothing to offer support to the game trading community.

“GAME has a very strong presence in the UK and beyond, but I like competition,” he said. “GAME will have to adapt to Play N Trade – we will push them to new heights. Ultimately, the consumer will win out.”

It will be great to see a new gaming retailer come to the UK and provide some competition to GAME and to focus on the game trading market. I am surprised that it wasn’t GameSpot making the announcement. Regardless, expect to see Play N Trade in the UK by the second quarter of 2009 at the latest.

[MCV]