Why it issues: GameStop goes all in on retro. The online game retailer is opening a sequence of GameStop Retro shops the place they will promote basic video games and consoles to nostalgia seekers.
GameStop introduced the brand new initiative in a short submit on X. Regardless of the suggestion that these will likely be new institutions, the shop locator appears to recommend they’re present GameStop areas that at the moment are merely promoting retro goodies.
The teaser references plenty of basic platforms together with the Nintendo 64, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Sega Dreamcast, Tremendous Nintendo, Sport Boy, Sega Genesis, and Sega Saturn, amongst others. Presumably, each video games and consoles will likely be accessible though stock will little doubt fluctuate by location.
THE CLASSICS ARE BACK.
New Retro GameStops at the moment are spawning close to you: https://t.co/m42FevuQaY pic.twitter.com/79PloFFiOx
– GameStop (@gamestop) August 27, 2024
It might appear to be an odd transfer, however GameStop could possibly be on to one thing right here.
As publishers proceed to concentrate on digital distribution, brick and mortar retailers are feeling the squeeze. Promoting bodily items is their bread and butter, and retro items enable them to proceed doing simply that. What’s extra, basic video games are experiencing a resurgence and GameStop little doubt needs to make the most of the chance.
As with most issues, pricing will likely be an enormous issue right here. What kind of premium is GameStop going to placed on its retro merchandise? If it is honest market worth and even barely above to make a revenue, I feel most can be alright with that. Something past that and a few will little doubt really feel like they’re being taken benefit of.
A fast test with the retailer locator for Retro shops in my space revealed just one out of not less than 4 shops I do know of close by. Maybe extra will likely be added within the coming weeks and months, however solely time will inform.
Do you propose to take a look at GameStop’s new retro choices? I am personally curious to see if my native retailer has something extra unique than the standard NES or SNES video games. Possibly I will lastly obtain my childhood purpose of getting that Sega CD in spite of everything?
Picture credit score: Jens Mahnke