Target is getting serious about the used games market today, with the rollout of in-store trade-ins at select retail outlets in California. The trade-in program launches today in Northern California, with plans to expand it next month at more Target locations. By year's end Target hopes to offer trade-ins at over 850 stores nationwide. In addition to the in-store trade-ins, consumers will also be able to go to the Target website to trade-in used electronics and DVDs as well - for store credit. Apparently, you'll also be able to trade in select electronics too like iPhones and cellphones.
Target has been re-evaluating its videogame business in 2010, and adjusting accordingly to make the shopping experience more palatable for consumers. The used game trade-in initiative is probably part of these changes - and a way for Target to cut into the massive profits that specialty retailer GameStop makes off used games. Or you could just chalk this up to Target following the crowd: after all, if Best Buy is doing it, why shouldn't they?
Comments
Re: Target Ramps Up Used Games Business
Buy new if you can, honestly if you have to buy used you might as well just pirate the game. The publisher does not see one red cent of the money that is paid for a used game and Target doesn't need to make money off of the developers work.
Basically buy new if you really want to support the industry, if you aren't going to buy new you might as well pirate.
Re: Target Ramps Up Used Games Business
Absolutely not and shame on you for even suggesting such a thing. Now, if you're just providing a publisher's perspective on used game sales (buy used or pirate, either way you're not the publisher's customer), fine.
Andrew Eisen