Gamestop - what are they like?

[the shape]

I visit Gamestop more than any other store, simply because it's the closest games shop to me at under a mile away. Bought my Xbox there. Swapped it no hassles when it wouldn't work.

For a corporate chain, it's not that bad. Staff aren't dicks (one guy's even on my Friends list) and know their shipping/shelf dates without having to check the books.

What I particularly like is the online inventory. A simple search tells me which Gamestops in my area have a certain game and how many copies they've got. On the big release days this is very handy and it means I drive to the right place.

What I don't like is their policy on storing games. Sometimes, even with brand new games, they do that really annoying thing of taking all the discs out and putting them in cardboard envelopes in a drawer. Dust and scratches on a new disc - cheers. Seems to have improved recently, but I stopped visiting for a while to avoid this. Just went to giants like Toys R Us and Target instead since they never do that.

Used prices are generally awful. New game $49.99, used version $44.99. That will likely change in the UK to be competitive, though.

[Light]

What I don't like is their policy on storing games. Sometimes, even with brand new games, they do that really annoying thing of taking all the discs out and putting them in cardboard envelopes in a drawer. Dust and scratches on a new disc - cheers.

Are you serious? Wait, so they open up brand new games, take out the discs and put them in some drawer? Why would they do that?

[gossi the dog]

The Nottingham Virgin Megastore does that. All the game disks are in woeful condition.

[Paul3704]

Most game shops do that.

If they left the game on the shop floor, someone would nick it.

Most shops put the disk in the manual and then in a bag or something. It's the easiest and quickest way.

[gossi the dog]

Yeah I know. But Virgin put the game disks in a cardboard sleeve. They tend to pick up far more scratches that way than if they keep the game disks within the manual.

[Leon Retro]

We might aswell be talking about Game; I don't expect any shop to be different from the template.

What do people expect a fantasy type experience with robots and talking heads lit-up in a neon haze?

[the shape]

Are you serious? Wait, so they open up brand new games, take out the discs and put them in some drawer? Why would they do that?

Aye. As the lads said, it's anti-theft.

Gamestop don't put them in the manual, just directly into hard, scratchy cardboard sleeves. I'm really anal with my discs (I don't even like fingerprints) so this drives me up the wall.

On the day of big new releases, you're pretty safe, because they have dozens still sealed behind the counter and no need to empty the boxes for display. Anything that's been out a while, though, well you takes your chances.

[mr_fantazmo]

and finally Stockport where the head office will be located

Bloody hell, another games store in Stocky, wonder where it will open.....probably next door to game and gamestation

[captain binman]

gamestop in ireland is pretty much the same as game,only i got pgr2 for 20 euro recently there and sometimes they give good money for old games,also if you look hard enough when you're in there u might find a great game on the cheap.

[mid]

So far, it's sounding just like Game, only with half the floorspace given over to DVDs. Which I don't buy in PAL-land.

Still, if they actually start fighting in terms of price, this might be a good thing.

[ChrisF]

Sorry to drag this thread up, but I just caught an advert for the opening of the Birmingham Bullring store. Didn't catch WHEN it would be opening (still half asleep) but I did manage to hear that Jodie Marsh is going to be opening the store (hopefully she can work out how).

As much as there are a few negative comments about them - I welcome them with open arms. The more competition for Game and Gamestation, the better! When a Gamestation appeared almost next to my local Game, the prices in Game dropped by a few quid and a lot of those Price Promise stickers soon appeared. Competition at it's finest. Bring it on!

[Salsa Party Animal]

I am waiting for info on this shop as I like shopping in the Bull Ring unlike Chavs affected Walsall.

[Salsa Party Animal]

Saturday 2 April, 2005 (From www.bullring.co.uk)

Gamestop has arrived at Bullring and to launch their newest store they have organized a party with loads of free entertainment including 3-Style DJ sets, dancers and your chance to meet a special celebrity guest.

Fantastic offers, goody bags and great prizes to be won so pick up your free ticket from the Gamestop store on Bullring Link.

and

The Worlds Largest Games Specialist Retailer

Now Open

Killer Deals Now On At GameStop

Playstation 2 Games from ?2.99

DVDs from ?2.99

See in-store for details. Offer valid on stickered product only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers valid while stocks last.

Bullring Link, Birmingham

0121 633 8914

E-mail: [email protected]

I think the shop is on 3rd floor and is in between a bridge over the main road between Debenhams and New Street Station.

[ChrisF]

Might be worth a trip down there! Nice one, thanks for that info

So ARE they open, or are they opening on the 2nd?

[ChrisF]

Ah yes, here we go: http://www.gamestop.ie/store_bullring.asp