GAME to open preowned only stores ala CEX

[MrKirov]

http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/02/uk_retailer_game_to_open_two_pre_owned_only_stores

Only a couple right now, but they're rebranding it as "GAMEtronics". Seemingly copying the CEX business model, but personally I'm not sure why.

GAME has many problems, and to me this is the wrong direction. CEX already exists, not sure if this is really needed?

[Neon Ignition]

Agreed, I'm assuming its the same preowned model as the main stores too. I get them wanting to create more scope to focus on the profit gained from second hand sales but they're massively uncompetitive with the rates CEX offer on products. Maybe its to try and limit CEXs growth opportunity but price matching is a must with Game trade prices.

[Atticus]

Grainger Games seem to be trying to take CEX on too. A new look (all black) Grainger Games 'Trade Nation' appeared in Middlesbrough recently.

[Soundwave]

Aren't all Games Store just 2nd hand stock now anyway??

Seems like my local one is just walls of used stuff & about a quarter of the space for new stock

[EvilBoris]

I suspect this is why I've seen so little preowned Xbox/ps4 stuff in the various stores I browse

[VR46]

Agreed, I'm assuming its the same preowned model as the main stores too. I get them wanting to create more scope to focus on the profit gained from second hand sales but they're massively uncompetitive with the rates CEX offer on products. Maybe its to try and limit CEXs growth opportunity but price matching is a must with Game trade prices.

I always get GAME to price match the CEX website on my phone in there, ie normally PS4 game GAME will offer ?22 say, CEX ?36, plus a quid bonus for not being the cheapest meaning you get ?37 in the end. Can't believe everyone doesn't do this. I did with NFS Rivals on PS4 couple of weeks back.

Seen quite a few used XBone/PS4 bits in GAME round my way, but they are normally about three quid cheaper than new. Bet they knock out all the used stuff in mint condition as new, sorry did I say that out loud.

If they're not cheaper than CEX then can see this falling flat on it's face. Bit of a weird move.

[Neon Ignition]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-07-game-launches-new-pre-owned-focused-gametronic-stores

And the stores will sell new items too thereby making the whole thing pointless

[wakka]

It's just because they want to sell second hand mobile phones, which have better margins.

[VR46]

You've hit the nail on the head, they want to keep the phone/tablets etc separate from the core game business by the sounds of it. Good luck opening that branch up right next door to CEX.

[Lebowski]

It's just because they want to sell second hand mobile phones, which have better margins.

The problem with this is the criminal element it attracts, when looking at stuff in Game/CEX and Cash Converters i always wonder how much of this is stuff that's stolen, and is the second hand games market propping up theft.

Trading games to Cash Converters requires you to provide photo id, as well as proof of address, in addition you have to be photographed and put on to there database, i can't understand why this is the case as they need to trace people back and be looking to do there best to deter receiving stolen goods Game seem to only require a postcode to trade stuff in if this is the case in there CEX style stores i can see this attracting the wrong crowd.

[wakka]

Game is hardly a haven of hardcore importers as it is. When visiting Liverpool recently I went to a Grainger and they sell phones and tablets second hand too. They're all transitioning to the CeX model because it's the only one that works at bricks and mortar in 2014.

[speedlolita]

What I don't understand about these stores is that they have no barrier for conditions of acceptance.

That is, I was looking at a DSi in GAME the other day and it looked as if a dog had chewed it and then someone had kicked it across some concrete. ?55, bargain!

[teddymeow]

Ru - roh!!

I smell trouble!

[VR46]

The problem with this is the criminal element it attracts, when looking at stuff in Game/CEX and Cash Converters i always wonder how much of this is stuff that's stolen, and is the second hand games market propping up theft.

In GAME and CEX you will need to provide proof of address etc to be able to sell/trade stuff in, has always been that way, can't remember about photo ID as I registered with both many moons ago.

Anything without a serial number/IMEI etc could well be stolen yes, chance you take when buying second hand from anywhere. But I know CEX are straight on to the Police when someone tries to give them a stolen phone, have seen it happen last year.
How else do you think some CEX stores have 4+ copies of games the day of launch (or before) and 99% other branches have none.

[shaffy_oppa]

Those cex stores, with the early releases, tend to be in areas of high crime rate too...