News
Play-N-Trade to sweep into UK?
Tim Ingham Jan 11 2008, 2:54pm
Comments (2)
US specialist eyes up European market
The Competition Commission may have given the green light to GAME’s ownership of Gamestation, but UK retail may face an entirely new challenge in 2008: the entrance into the market of a major US specialist chain.
MCV has learnt that Play-N-Trade, a franchise-orientated retailer based in California, has its eye on the UK market and is considering a move on the territory in the near future.
Play-N-Trade claims that it is the largest and fastest-growing video game franchise worldwide. The company has 110 stores in the US. Last month, its founder Ron Simpson was voted at number 16 in Next-Gen.biz’s Top 25 People of 2007 – the only games retailer on the list.
The second biggest retail chain in the UK, CHIPS – also a franchise operation – has welcomed the potential for new competition in the market.
But the firm has warned Play-N-Trade that it might not find the UK an easy territory to succeed in.
Joint MD Don McCabe told MCV: “It would be nice to have another competitor to take on GAME’s dominant position. We’re so far behind them in terms of size, there is a real opportunity for someone with ambition to come in and grab a significant amount of market share.
“They’re dotted all over the US and don’t get to enjoy the centralised buying system we have here in the UK. It will be hard for them to just jump over the pond. The closest Gamestop has come to real success in the UK is its setup in Ireland – that’s a good sign that it’s no easy feat.”
Comments
“Where Do These People Get Their Research”
Posted by: Chris - Jan 12, 12:42am
Ther is a Gamestop in the bullring in birmingham surely thats about as close to the UK as you can get. Birmingham is dead center of the UK afterall
“Re: Where Do These People Get Their Research”
Posted by: jj42 - Jan 24, 7:18pm
Hey UK:
Be forwarned! This company is a huge scam. Check it out. They are the former and current owners of the Yakety Yak Wireless franchise opportunity business. They misrepresent facts, lie to their franchisee's and are probably not licensed anywhere in the US to sell. Play N Trade in US are closing more doors then they open. RUN LIKE HELL! Yuvi Schmul, Dave Timlin are liars and thieves,,,, DON"T GET TAKEN>>>>