My pinball arcade is closing :(

[Espy]

In Glasgow there is a massive, multi-storey HMV, and over the last two years they have been housing various pinball machines. It started with just one, but at its peak there was around 15! Right now there are seven. The operator has a preference towards Sterns, so no WMS, but keeps all the machines in excellent condition. BUT. It is closing in a few days. Relocating to smaller premises. There might be a pin or two but unlikely to be nearly the same amount as before.

Mourn with me

 

[Kolchak357]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Naildriver74]

I'll be wearing black today

 

[MonkeyGrass]

Ouch.

Cue up some Queen...

#anotheronebitesthedust

 

[Sean]

The HMV at The Fort shopping centre on the M8 has two or three machines. Last time I was there they had Avengers and Metallica tables. What is up with HMV and pinball - they do that in other ones?

 

[Espy]

The HMV at The Fort shopping centre on the M8 has two or three machines. Last time I was there they had Avengers and Metallica tables. What is up with HMV and pinball - they do that in other ones?

It's actually the operator, Eric, and his company Paisley Pinball (www.paisleypinball.co.uk). It started in Buchanan Street, but apparently it went well because at one point I spoke to him he said that he had pinball machines in every HMV in Scotland, and quite a few in England too.

The fort is a bit far for me. There's always HMV Argyle St. It used to have five, but the branch was downsized so there are only two there now. Love Music also has an Elvis from Paisley Pinball. Reardons has a Simpsons owned by a different operator. Those are the ones I frequent aside from Buchanan Street. If you follow Paisley Pinball on twitter, that will keep you up to date on their new installs and rotations.

Part of me is hoping that whatever takes HMV's place will be up for keeping the machines there... but who knows.

 

[Sean]

That's a big site, not sure what could logically go there but yet another clothing store. How about a two-story themed bar with 100 pinball machines?

 

[Shaneus]

That blows.

See if they want to get rid of any!

 

[Zombie Aladdin]

From what I read here, this HMV company apparently really likes having pinball on location (or at least has very good relations with an operator), so whatever place it's moving to, it will almost certainly have at least one machine there.

Pinball machines are high-maintenance and have problems turning a profit. Sometimes, it's a money sink. Arcade video games and redemption machines generate much more revenue, so the only reason pinball would exist in a location is if someone likes pinball, there are so few nearby locations that it attracts all of the pinball fans in the area, or it's known around the world for its machines. I'd imagine this place has undergone financial problems (which may or may not be pinball-related).

I noticed, reading about accounts from operators, that pinball machines on location are also always under threat from being bought by private owners, especially if there's a malfunction. I'd guess that the owner of the many machines at this location, unfortunately, has had to sell off many of them. (Personally, I feel pinball is something that should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to try it, and the mindset of pinball being enjoyed only by one person is akin to Cartmanland.)

 

[Espy]

From what I read here, this HMV company apparently really likes having pinball on location (or at least has very good relations with an operator), so whatever place it's moving to, it will almost certainly have at least one machine there.

Pinball machines are high-maintenance and have problems turning a profit. Sometimes, it's a money sink. Arcade video games and redemption machines generate much more revenue, so the only reason pinball would exist in a location is if someone likes pinball, there are so few nearby locations that it attracts all of the pinball fans in the area, or it's known around the world for its machines. I'd imagine this place has undergone financial problems (which may or may not be pinball-related).

I noticed, reading about accounts from operators, that pinball machines on location are also always under threat from being bought by private owners, especially if there's a malfunction. I'd guess that the owner of the many machines at this location, unfortunately, has had to sell off many of them. (Personally, I feel pinball is something that should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to try it, and the mindset of pinball being enjoyed only by one person is akin to Cartmanland.)

I understand that the operator is doing well - he started with a single table in a single branch, now they're everywhere. HMV, like most retail outlets, has had a lot of trouble over the last few years, so the downsize isn't pinball related.

That blows.

See if they want to get rid of any!

Haha, I'm afraid that they belong to the operator and not HMV. There are big stickers on the machines saying "NOT FOR SALE". I think they've had a few enquiries already

 

[Zombie Aladdin]

Ah, good to know that the operator is doing well! In that case, I would predict that the operator will look for other places to put the machines and that their availability is in no danger (because the operator is going to turn down any requests to buy his machines), so you shouldn't worry.

 

[Espy]

Went in yesterday to say goodbye, but the pins are already removed. Let the mourning commence.

 

[Naildriver74]

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.

 

[xAzatothx]

working in Glasgow for a few days - was looking forward to checking out the HMV on Buchanan street. No Machines This thread explains situation. Bad timing on my part.

Might try the Argyl one tomorrow lunchtime if get chance.

 

[Espy]

working in Glasgow for a few days - was looking forward to checking out the HMV on Buchanan street. No Machines This thread explains situation. Bad timing on my part.

Might try the Argyl one tomorrow lunchtime if get chance.

Yeah, Argyle Street is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. It currently has five - ACDC, Family Guy, Wheel of Fortune, Avengers, Avatar. Two on the top floor, three in the basement. Not the huge number that Buchanan St had, but a decent collection. Never liked Avatar or Avengers though.

Also look for an Elvis in Love Music (music store next to Queen Street station) and there's a TSPP in Reardons Pool hall (which is nearby Central Station). That one's pretty cheap at 50p a game, and in good condition.

Need to update the Argyle St listings on Pinformer, actually.