It has been confirmed that UK store Game will stop offering trade-ins as it looks to phase out its second-hand stock.
An internal source confirmed to TechRadar Gaming (TRG) that all stores will suspend trading starting February 16. Our source also tells us that internally, following reports of this news that appeared online yesterday (January 15), Game was “super angry.” about the leak. In the area of internal communications, staff were instructed not to speak to the media, to refrain from commenting on articles on social media and not to speculate with customers. They were also asked not to comment to the media.
Independent games stores will continue to sell second-hand stock until they run out, while concession stores (for example those inside Sports Direct stores) will stop selling them entirely.
Licensed stores will complete store-to-store transfers of their used software, while hardware will be sent back to the distribution center to be redistributed when necessary. This is part of an “integration” by Game, which is owned by Frasers Group, which also owns retailers such as House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Firetrap and more.
While it's currently unclear exactly what Game is integrating with, it's worth noting that in recent times, more and more locations have become concession stores as part of Sports Direct. The exchange policy itself was also recently changed so that customers could only receive store credit or game gift cards, while previously it also offered cash.
“As part of the Game integration, we will be phasing out Trade In, Pre-owned and Game Elite offers in the UK over the coming months,” said a Frasers Group spokesperson, also referencing the retailer's rewards plan that allows Customers earn additional reward points. “Used games will continue to be available in our independent stores across the UK while stocks last, and Game Elite will remain available until the end of summer. We thank our dedicated team and loyal customers for their continued support.”
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