by Nick Dowell
In an effort to divert customers from Walmart, GameStop is allowing extra in-store credit in select GameStop stores that are close to Walmart in proximity and that have been selected by GameStop management. According to an unnamed source who talked to GamePolitics, certain stores are now able to give consumers up to 20 percent more for their trade-ins.
According to the source, a memo was sent out from GameStop Operations on March 25 informing managers that their store had been selected for the trial of the "Never Walk a Trade" program that will run March 26-31.
A representative from GameStop confirmed the program in a statement to GameSpot earlier today.
This is a more interesting development considering GameStop CEO Paul Raines said that he isn't worried about Walmart entering the market, calling GameStop a "formidable competitor in this space.""We did just launch a program called 'Never Walk a Trade.' The program includes many features, one of which includes empowering our store managers and associates to offer customers-- when they believe it is needed--the best value for their pre-owned video game and consumer electronic products. This program is focused on helping ensure we continue to provide the most valuable trade-in offers against all competitors and not lose an opportunity to meet our customer’s needs based on trade-in value.The reason we introduced this program is because we want to continue to elevate customer awareness of the unique proposition of the GameStop buy-sell-trade model."
-----
Sources: GamePolitics, GameSpot
Image: Wikipedia
