GameStop Corp. (Grapevine, Texas) is diversifying its business model as its core of game-playing customers purchase fewer video games in stores, opting instead for products that can be downloaded from their game consoles or on their mobile devices.
GameStop is increasing its number of stores that offer AT&T wireless plans and handheld devices such as phones and tablets. The brand's 484-unit Technology Brands chain will expand by 350 to 550 stores this year, GameStop said Thursday, while its namesake brand will shrink. The company says it will convert as many as 100 GameStop stores to Technology Brands in 2015.
GameStop is also seeking to acquire other technology retail chains as well. The company will take over 163 locations from bankrupt RadioShack Corp., and is looking for additional acquisitions and a variety of store concepts, according to Bloomberg Business. By 2019, sales from its Technology Brands chain will more than quadruple to $1.46 billion, say company executives.