GameStop To Begin Selling Comic Books
Experts have been predicting the inevitable demise of GameStop for over a decade now, but they’ve managed to survive and keep most of their strip-mall locations afloat despite the ever-increasing number of digital-only video games. One recent strategy they’ve employed is to diversify their inventory with geek-friendly collectibles and figures. Now, for the first time ever, they’re experimenting with stocking comic books.
GameStop has begun selling comics in 40 of its 7,200 nationwide locations, with plans to expand if sales improve. “Comics are often a part of our promotional entertainment industry environment, including video games – we can learn from this tribal knowledge,” the company said in a released statement. “The comics are mostly from Marvel and DC with a focus on key series and titles.”
Just Marvel and DC? So much for Goldie Vance. Or maybe she has a shot. “We really, truly have gone after Image and Oni and Boom, as well,” director of consumer products Clint Walker told iO9. “Those are some of the indies we’ll be approaching. But, really, I think you’ll see most of our stores cater to the primary Marvel and DC fans.”
Here’s the nifty thing: the comics are being sold on spinner racks. Remember those? Spinner racks used to be THE way to get your comics, before comics were banished to specialty shops. Between this and DC’s expansion into Wal-Mart, the age of exile may be thankfully coming to an end.
Soon, Game Informer may not be the only thing to read at GameStop.
[Source: CNBC]