New game sales up 15% in November, says GameStop
GameStop has announced that new game sales for the chain were up 15 percent in November, compared to the same time frame last year.
Like with most retail outlets this time of year, Black Friday sales and promotions helped contribute to the month overall.
"While some indicators say that new software sales are declining, we are excited to be able to roll out robust offers and incentives to help maximize shoppers’ budgets,” GameStop VP Tony Bartel. "In November of 2009, we bucked the trend and have continued to gain market share. In fact, our US stores saw a 15 percent rise in new software sales."
While the press release did not include sales for used games, it does have a handy dandy list of titles to purchase for that hard to please gamer on your list.
Providing they're the type to like what's suggested, at any rate.
Full PR below the break, courtesy of Joystiq.
Video Games Are Hot Picks for Holiday Shoppers
GameStop Sees a 15% Rise in New Software Sales in November 2009
GRAPEVINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2009-- GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer, is proving once again why it is the gaming destination of choice for holiday shoppers. With its latest offering of 2,500 gaming gifts affordably priced under $20 and its great in-stock position of the hottest new titles, GameStop saw a lift in new software sales that outpaced the industry.
“While some indicators say that new software sales are declining, we are excited to be able to roll out robust offers and incentives to help maximize shoppers’ budgets,” indicated Tony Bartel, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. “In November of 2009, we bucked the trend and have continued to gain market share. In fact, our US stores saw a 15% rise in new software sales.”
With the ever-expanding base of gaming customers in mind, GameStop has compiled a list of some of the season’s most popular titles to help guide your gift selection, whether the gift recipient is age six or 60:
* The Music Enthusiast –The Beatles: Rock Band (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3), DJ Hero (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2) and Rock Band: LEGO (Wii, Xbox 360, DS, PS3) should be big hits with the music lovers in your circle. The Beatles: Rock Band and DJ Hero are rated T for Teen and are suitable for the 13 and older crowd. Rock Band: LEGO is rated E10+ for gamers ages 10+.
* The Hardcore Gamer – For the holidays, there are a large number of critically acclaimed titles to choose from, including: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC), Assassin’s Creed 2 (Xbox 360, PS3) and Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360.) All are rated M for Mature, so these titles are best for gamers on your list who are 17 or older.
* The Sportsman – Whether it’s a 10-year-old boy or a 40-year-old boy at heart, Wii Sports Resort (Wii), Madden NFL 10 (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, PSP), Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP) will provide hours of fun for any age sports lover. Wii Sports Resort, Madden NFL 10 and Forza Motorsport 3 are rated E for Everyone, and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is rated T for Teen.
* The Gamer on the Go – Handheld gaming is more popular than ever, and new games offer something for all ages and skill sets. The Nintendo DS and DSi have hundreds of titles to choose from including Drawn to Life: Next Chapter, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Scribblenauts - three of this year’s most popular handheld releases that are appropriate for everyone.
GameStop’s knowledgeable game advisors also pride themselves in helping gift givers make informed decisions about selecting the appropriate games, accessories and titles, especially when the gift recipient is under age 17. In partnership with the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), GameStop recommends that parents check the ESRB ratings that appear on every game package to ensure they are comfortable with the content within the game.
For additional information about the ESRB rating system and choosing age-appropriate games, visit www.esrb.org. For more information on great video game gift ideas, game wrapping and hiding tips or to make your own gamer reaction video, visit www.gamestopholiday.com
About GameStop Corp.
Headquartered in Grapevine, TX, GameStop Corp., a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, is the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer. The company operates 6,391 retail stores in 17 countries worldwide. The company also operates an e-commerce site, GameStop.com, and publishes Game Informer(R) magazine, a leading multi-platform video game publication. GameStop Corp. sells new and used video game software, hardware and accessories for video game systems from Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. In addition, the company sells PC entertainment software, related accessories and other merchandise. General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website: http://www.gamestopcorp.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, the outlook for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2009, future financial and operating results, the company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of GameStop's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. GameStop undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the inability to obtain sufficient quantities of product to meet consumer demand; the timing of release of video game titles for next generation consoles; the risks associated with expanded international operations and the integration of recent acquisitions, including Micromania; the impact of increased competition and changing technology in the video game industry; and economic and other events that could reduce or impact consumer demand. Additional factors that could cause GameStop's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in GameStop's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov or http://investor.gamestop.com.