February 3, 2010
Wal-Mart and Best Buy Bail on Used Video Games
FROM RETAILWIRE:
Last year when Wal-Mart Stores and Best Buy decided to test kiosks for the buying and selling of used video games, it was seen as a direct challenge to GameStop. Now both retailers have decided to remove the kiosks from their stores.... What is your take on the decision by Wal-Mart and Best Buy to get out of the used video game business?
MY COMMENTARY:
I'm having a bit of a "Which came first?" moment on this one. The early accounts that I read on this yesterday framed the story as e-Play ceasing operations THUS Walmart and Best Buy getting out of the used gaming business. That would seem more likely than these two major retailers simultaneously deciding to exit the used gaming business via kiosks. Can you hear the call? "Hey, Best Buy, it's me, Walmart. What say we ditch on the kiosks and cut a break for GameStop?" "Yeah, sure, why not?" Hmmmm.