HMV to introduce pre-owned games

Following a strong set of

financial results

from retailer HMV, the chain has confirmed that it will unleash its long-anticipated push into the pre-owned market this year – as predicted by MCV last month.

A statement accompanying the firm’s financial results read:

We embarked on successful trials of a ‘next generation’ store format, featuring a social hub providing access to entertainment websites, multi-player games zones and transactional kiosks.

"All product lines in the trial outperformed the rest of the chain, providing a basis in the coming financial year to convert 10-15 stores and open all new stores in the new format.

"We continued to enhance our credibility with customers and suppliers in the fast-growing games console and software market, and are planning to launch a pre-played games offer in 2008/09."

MCV magazine reported in its June 6th issue that the retailer was seriously considering such a move, with HMV’s strategic games manager Martin Baxter stating:

There are so many things in the market that can be looked at from our perspective. Pre-owned is one of those elements we’ll be looking at, but first and foremost we’ll look to see if it fits with our brand and customer base.

Lots of our rivals have tried to do pre-owned in the past and failed. If we were to do it, we’d do it properly – if not, we’ll leave it on the table.”