The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Game on for couple in new hire venture
An Aberdeen couple have launched what they believe to be the only board game subscription service across the UK.
Glenn and Jen Bowen, owners of Rent Shuffle and Roll, have amassed more than 650 games for enthusiasts to hire on a monthly basis.
The pair, who work as full-time accountants, developed a love for board games during their time at university and last year decided to take on the challenge of starting their own business.
Ms Bowen, 30, said: “As far as we are aware at this time we are the only board game rental company across the UK.
“We had both enjoyed playing board games when we were younger but really fell in love with them while we were at university – there is an absolutely huge range of games available now that really do cater to everyone and we find that massively appealing.”
The Bowens started buying their stock in October last year and officially launched the business in June after attending the UK Games Exhibition in Birmingham.
Customers sign up for a subscription then pick the board games they want for a month.
They are then posted out with a prepaid return label for when the time is up.
The range of games includes more traditional titles like Cluedo and Monopoly, as well as party ones and more intense and complicated offerings.
Ms Bowen said: “This way you can try a variety of new games without having to commit to the retail purchase price of a brand new game or the hassle of storing games which you realistically may only play a couple of times.
“Benefits also include a family friendly activity that can be done away from screens.
“We have recently bought a range of educational but fun children’s games ranging from ages two onwards which would be a perfect solution for rainy days in the school holidays and kids who have outgrown their current games or simply want a break from screen time.”
The front room of their home in the Hazlehead area is now packed with games.
Ms Bowen said: “We have 658 unique games and are adding to that number all the time.
“In the short amount of time we have been trading we have found Burgle Bros to be our most popular.
“This is a quirky game created by Tim Fowers where you work together as a group to commit a heist without being caught by the pesky guards.
“We have a range of Kickstarter boardgames which are only produced in limited print so they are probably the rarest.
“Our more expensive games would retail at around £200 so this is where you get great value from a rental subscription costing as little as £17 a month to rent these.”
Looking towards expanding the business the couple are hoping to create a games night experience and grow their stock.
Ms Bowen said: “Longer term we would like to see the website pairing with food and drink providers so we can provide a whole ‘game night’ package with snacks and drinks themed around the game you hire.
“We would love the company to be providers for corporate teambuilding, university and game groups.
“And are also looking to further develop our range of children’s games as we know kids outgrow games so quickly and families are always looking for educational ways of entertaining them and spend more quality family time without a screen being involved.”