Forum > Gaming Discussion > Play N Trade - The Ghetto Gamestop
Play N Trade - The Ghetto Gamestop
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Sat, 09 May 2009 14:16:32
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Has anyone had the chance to go to a Play N Trade?  This is a new national chain in America that's trying to compete with Gamestop.  They offer a selection of new and used games.  Where they are trying to be different is that it looks like they're really focusing on the hardcore gamer audience.  They have a play before you buy policy, they host gaming tournaments on a regular basis, and their selection of games isn't just limited to current consoles.  They have a selection of games from the 8 bit generation onward.  

I'm always looking for an alternative to Gamestop (though the local one I go to now is actually has a couple employees that are very cool and make it a more pleasant experience), and these guys had been running some commercials on TV so I decided to finally check out the place.  Wow. . . .  big mistake.

The first thing I noticed is that the place is dark.  There are some monitors on the walls and some poor flouriscent lighting.  It gives the place a very run down feel, which is remarkable since this location only opened up last month.  Also quite noticeable is the smell.  I can't quite describe it.  It's not good.  it may be the combination of new carpeting and cheap candy since there seems to be plenty of both.  I guess they figure gamers need sugar and won't mind paying twice as much for a candy bar or a popsicle.  

The real gripe I had though was the selection. They had a pretty good stock of REALLY old games (NES, SNES etc) but their used selection for the current gen games was very weak. That was to be expected to some degree since it's a new location, but they don't even have a good selection of new games.  Very half assed.  I literally couldn't find anything in the store I wanted to get.

The funny thing about all of this is, it's not just THIS location.  I hadn't realized it until I was there, but several months back when I was in Texas I popped into one of these stores thinking it was just a small mom and pop kind of store.  Nope, this piece of crap store is actually part of chain.  

Anyway I'm all for brining in some real compeition to Gamestop, but this place doesn't have a shot in hell at pulling it off.  The good news is, that if there is a location near you in just a few more months I suspect there will be a massive liquidation sale as there's no way this chain will be able to compete against anyone else selling games.

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Sat, 09 May 2009 16:20:17
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Sounds like a video game flea market.Nyaa  I've never seen those around here before.
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Sat, 09 May 2009 17:07:11
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I have a few stores around that will carry overpriced used games, but all I can really rely on is BB and its Gamerush add-on. No Gamestop or anything like that around here. 
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Sat, 09 May 2009 21:23:15
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One opened near my house, I have not gone yet.
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Sat, 09 May 2009 21:45:08
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Dvader said:
One opened near my house, I have not gone yet.

Go there and fondle the clerks. 

Unless they are male clerks. 

Unless you like fondling male clerks. 

Nyaa

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Sat, 09 May 2009 21:57:11
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I have one in my town. It was well lit and clean. I don't recall any candy, though. Sad My only complaints were that the clerks are really pushy, and the prices are higher than ebay on most of their used games. Yeah, I never went back. I'd rather shop at Gamestop. 

The VG Press

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Sat, 09 May 2009 23:39:57
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I wish I could go to one, I don't mind dingy places, so long as they have games (I used to frequent many a Pawn Shop for older games).

I guess if they keep the lights low they don't have to play for cleaning.

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Sat, 09 May 2009 23:46:20
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I'd love to get some pictures, since it's kinda impossible for me to go and all.

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Sun, 10 May 2009 03:08:00
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darthhomer said:
I'd love to get some pictures, since it's kinda impossible for me to go and all.

I'm too scared to go back frankly.  

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Sun, 10 May 2009 03:34:26
It's a franchise, so quality could vary greatly from one store to another.

They're also banned from opening franchises in California...

Play N Trade

BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATIONS
OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
In the Matter of THE CALIFORNIA CORPORATIONS COMMISSIONER,
Complainant,
vs.
PLAY N TRADE FRANCHISE, INC.,
Respondent. ) 

Case No.: 993-5595, 993-5596
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF STOP ORDER REVOKING EFFECTIVENESS OF UNIT FRANCHISE REGISTRATION AND ORDER REVOKING EFFECTIVENESS OF UNIT FRANCHISE REGISTRATION 

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF STOP ORDER DENYING EFFECTIVENESS OF AREA DEVELOPER FRANCHISE REGISTRATION APPLICATION AND ORDER DENYING EFFECTIVENESS OF AREA DEVELOPER FRANCHISE REGISTRATION APPLICATION 

CITATIONS 

DESIST AND REFRAIN ORDER 

ANCILLARY RELIEF

Based upon the foregoing findings, the California Corporations Commissioner is of the opinion that Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. has failed to comply with multiple provisions of the California Franchise Investment Law within the meaning of sections 31110, 31200, 31123, and 31115(a).
WHEREFORE, the California Corporations Commissioner hereby issues the following orders and seeks such additional relief as follows:

1. An order issued to revoke the effectiveness of the Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. unit franchise registration pursuant to Corporations Code section 31115(a);

2. An order issued to deny the effectiveness of the Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. area developer franchise registration application pursuant to Corporations Code section
31115(a); 2

3. An order issued to pay citations in the amount of $132,500 to the State Corporations Fund within 30 days of the date this order becomes final;

4. Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., Yuvi Shmul, and Thomas C. Bozarth are hereby ordered to desist and refrain from further violations of the California Franchise Investment Law, including but not limited to violations of Corporations Code sections 31110, 31200, and 31123, as specified above;

5. All franchisees of Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. shall have the right to rescind any contract for the purchase of a California franchise;

6. It is further ordered that Play N Trade Franchise, Inc. pay restitution in the amount of the franchise fee to each California franchisee to which it sold a franchise.

7. For the Complainant’s costs and reasonable attorneys fees, according to proof;

8. And, for such other and further relief as the nature of the case may require and the court deems proper.

Based on the foregoing facts establishing multiple violations of the California Franchise Investment Law by Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., Yuvi Shmul, and Thomas C. Bozarth, the issuance of the aforementioned citations and orders, and provision of ancillary relief, is necessary, in the public interest, for the protection of investors, and consistent with the purposes, policies, and provisions of the California Franchise Investment Law.

Dated: April 14, 2009   Los Angeles, California
PRESTON DUFAUCHARD   California Corporations Commissioner




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Sun, 10 May 2009 12:51:58

Yarcofin said:
It's a franchise, so quality could vary greatly from one store to another.

They're also banned from opening franchises in California...

True, though frankly after visiting two different stores in two different states I will say they both seemed to have a lot in common and there wasn't much difference from one another, aside from actual store size.

Interesting note about their California situation though.  Wonder what they did.

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