Focusing on pre-owned software, GAME has re-launched two of its stores under the new name GAMEtronics. The move will see the retailer lock horns with popular pre-owned outlet CEX. However, GAMEtronics will still sell new gaming hardware and software. The first two cities to secure the re-branded stores are Lincoln and Cambridge, with the firm looking to expand elsewhere.
"Gamers can now trade in all kinds of tech devices, from consoles and software to tablets, phones, laptops, cameras, TVs, and sat navs," a spokesperson told Eurogamer.net. "[This] makes purchasing new releases, digital content, and, in particular, the next-gen consoles even more affordable. GAMEtronics is a great way for even more gamers to take the leap into the next generation of gaming."
The move marks a return to the dual-brand strategy that GAME ditched when it closed down all GameStation stores in 2012. Mind you, we're honestly struggling to see the difference between this new shop format and the company's more traditional outlets aside from the fancy name.
[source eurogamer.net, via mcvuk.com]
Comments 10
I love the way they parked one right next door to CEX.
@get2sammyb Salt in the wound, although if GAME's prices are anything to go by, I'm sure CEX have nothing to worry about.
Where I live you already can't move in the high street without bumping into a second hand shop. This country, I tell ya.
To be fair at least Cambridge doesn't have a CeX to compete with. The positioning of the Lincoln store seems a bit desperate!
GAME will seriously need to change their pre-owned pricing structure to compete with Cex. Their price promise on trade ins is all but a lie, since it's completely down to managerial discretion and they make it very difficult to actually take advantage of it.
This is a bit of a leap too far for GAME at the moment I think. Could very well see them in the can again!
@get2sammyb LOL thanks for pointing that out.
I live in the US so I wouldn't know what a CeX looks like...
@Uberchu I'm sure they're franchising to the US, I know a LOT of people who work for Cex!
Nowadays I usually get rid when I'm done with a game. It takes a few seconds to check trade in prices at cex and game so changing the name isn't gonna change much is it.
I just checked GAME's trade in section of their website, and for my 80GB fat PS3 they'll offer me £9.00 cash or £10.00 credit, compared to CEX offering £61.00 cash and £86.00 credit.
If they don't change their awful trade in policy there's just no point in opening these stores.
@Foxy47 They're definitely going to have to rethink their prices and policies if they want these stores to have any sort of a chance.
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