News
Blockbuster to launch games-only stores?
Jonathon Harker May 19 2008, 1:52pm
Comments (6)
Sources suggest specialist outlets may be on the cards for UK High Street
Blockbuster is ready to become big-name contenders in games retail as each looks to steal market share with the opening of new games-focused stores.
In a move that will raise eyebrows at GAME Group HQ, Blockbuster is ready to grab back the revenue stream it lost after selling off its successful Gamestation chain with dedicated Blockbuster Games outlets.
Leading analysts, as well as sources within Blockbuster, have claimed that a move into games-only retail is on the cards for the chain – and soon.
“Blockbuster is definitely aiming to take a bigger percentage of the gaming market,” said a source within Blockbuster.
“We’re not at the same level as some of our competitors – but in a few years’ time we will be.”
Analysts agree that the move could be revealed soon. “Blockbuster has struggled in recent years, so it makes sense to do more in games,” said James Flowers of Verdict Research. “It is a logical step for them.”
Nick Parker of Parker Consulting added: “It will be good from the point of view of the games industry, as with more retailers getting behind gaming it implies that it is a viable industry to society. However, the UK does already have a very aggressive retail gaming market.”
And with Blockbuster openly making strong commitments to gaming in the US, Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter also feels a move is imminent: “There is room for another chain, but it will be crushed by GameStop unless it executes well in the US.”
Comments
“Gamestation anyone”
Posted by: fuzzchopz - May 19, 3:26pm
My god these guys had a good marketshare with Gamestation then just rolled over & took it up the proverbial from GAME.
What they should of done was cut back on the rental market & dedicated more floorspace to games in their Blockbuster stores.
As it is with alot of companies nowadays they looked at making a quick buck in the short term.
I think it is stupid what they are doing with DVD's at the moment taking a step back in time with timed exclusives on certain titles for rental alot of people will wait a month or rent it out & back it up doing more damage to the retail industry.
“Re: Gamestation anyone”
Posted: May 19, 5:51pm
So Blockbuster sold Gamestation, only to learn they want to stick with games all along. I've noticed how the Blockbuster Games logo is very similar to the Gamestation one, and their pre-owned offers have also stepped up. I think Blockbuster could be a serious and credible alternative to GAMEstation, but they need to start making waves now.
“Re: Deja Vu”
Posted by: Kevin - May 19, 6:37pm
Is it that some companies don't learn from the mistakes? Blockbuster lost over $1.0 billion with GameRush concept and now again in UK and US? What they need is a management who know gaming industry and to market and merchandise accordingly.
“Idiots”
Posted by: Bob - May 20, 2:53pm
So Blockbuster decide they cannot compete in a competitive and crowded market, so sensibly decide to sell Gamestation.
Now they want to launch a chain of stand alone stores, making the high street even more saturated.
Where will they open these stores? Near to Game and Gamestation!
“Re: Idiots”
Posted by: Stu007 - May 20, 3:00pm
The only way it makes any sense to me is if they're gunna turn rental stores into Games only stores.
“Re: Idiots”
Posted by: garyman - May 21, 7:47am
its the us thats opening games only stores the uk is opening concession stores in there larger out of town sites they already have 34 that make a healthy profit so it makes total sense to open more as the rent is tiny. the reasons for the gamestation sale were to do with the u.s not the uk and it will be nice to have a store that is not game or gamestation as they are now the same thing. dont knock them until you have seen them.