Staff cuts hit first-half sales and profits at wargames specialist Games Workshop and the retailer is now determined to improve customer service.  

Games Workshop slashed staff levels at stores in markets including the UK and North America but the change resulted in a sales fall as reliance on inexperienced employees increased.

In the six months to November 28, operating profit fell from £8.1m to £6.7m and at the pre-tax level were down to £6.7m from £7.9m. Turnover fell from £62.5m to £60m.

Games Workshop reported that similar staffing changes were made in continental Europe a year ago and that market had delivered growth. “The emphasis is now on customer serviced training to deliver like-for-like growth in all territories,” the retailer said.

Games Workshop, which also sells its products through independent retailers, has 340 shops internationally.