Why it issues: GameStop goes all in on retro. The online game retailer is opening a collection 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 quick submit on X. Regardless of the suggestion that these can be new institutions, the shop locator appears to counsel they’re current GameStop places that at the moment are merely promoting retro goodies.
The teaser references a variety of basic platforms together with the Nintendo 64, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Sega Dreamcast, Tremendous Nintendo, Recreation Boy, Sega Genesis, and Sega Saturn, amongst others. Presumably, each video games and consoles can be out there though stock will little question range 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 could seem to be an odd transfer, however GameStop could possibly be on to one thing right here.
As publishers proceed to deal with digital distribution, brick and mortar retailers are feeling the squeeze. Promoting bodily items is their bread and butter, and retro items permit them to proceed doing simply that. What’s extra, basic video games are experiencing a resurgence and GameStop little question needs to benefit from the chance.
As with most issues, pricing can be an enormous issue right here. What kind of premium is GameStop going to placed on its retro merchandise? If it is truthful 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 question really feel like they’re being taken benefit of.
A fast verify with the retailer locator for Retro shops in my space revealed just one out of at the very least 4 shops I do know of close by. Maybe extra can be added within the coming weeks and months, however solely time will inform.
Do you intend 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. Perhaps I will lastly obtain my childhood objective of getting that Sega CD in spite of everything?
Picture credit score: Jens Mahnke
