In response to the recent report from Gfinity eSports suggesting that retailer GAME will be ending in-store sales of physical games and hardware, GAME has provided a comment to Eurogamer stating that the report is not true. GAME emphasized that it will continue to support the physical gaming market by offering a wide range of physical games, hardware, software, accessories, and digital gift cards both in stores and online. This denial raises questions about the accuracy of the initial report and the credibility of the sources that provided the information.
Despite GAME’s denial, the initial report raised concerns about the potential shift towards a ‘pre-order only’ policy regarding in-store stock. This policy would require customers to either pre-order a copy of a game or purchase online for delivery to the store before being able to pick it up in person. Such a policy could alienate customers who prefer to browse physical games in-store before making a purchase, as well as those who do not have access to online shopping options. It also raises questions about the future of in-store sales and the impact on GAME’s relationship with its customers.
Changes in Retail Strategy
The reported removal of trade-ins, pre-owned stock, and the impending end of the GAME Reward scheme signals a significant shift in GAME’s retail strategy. These changes, coupled with the move away from physical games media towards other products such as Funko Pop figures and preschool toys, suggest a broader transformation in GAME’s business model. The decision to focus more on pre-orders and online sales may reflect a growing trend towards digital distribution and the diminishing importance of physical game sales in the industry.
The report also highlighted changes in employment practices at GAME, with the majority of staff being moved to zero-hour contracts and reports of redundancies. The shift to zero-hour contracts can have negative implications for employees, as it may lead to unstable work hours and decreased job security. The reported redundancies further raise concerns about job stability and employee well-being within the company. These changes may impact employee morale and loyalty, as well as the overall workplace culture at GAME.
The timing of these reported changes at GAME coincides with Nintendo’s announcement that the successor to the Switch will be revealed in full during the current fiscal year. The removal of physical games and hardware from GAME’s stores could have implications for the distribution of Nintendo’s upcoming console and games. Customers may be forced to rely more on online purchases and pre-orders to access Nintendo products, which could impact the visibility and availability of these products in physical retail locations.
The reports surrounding GAME’s alleged decision to end in-store sales of physical games and hardware raise questions about the company’s retail strategy, employee practices, and relationship with customers. While GAME has denied the reports and reaffirmed its commitment to the physical gaming market, the implications of these potential changes remain a topic of concern for industry observers and consumers alike. It will be important to monitor any further developments from GAME to gauge the extent of these reported changes and their impact on the gaming retail industry.
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