GameStophas announced that it’s putting more of an emphasis on selling trading cards of all kinds going forward. It seems thatGameStop’s recent focus on trading cards has been working well for the company.
GameStop got its start way back in 1984, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the company the entire time it’s existed. As the game industry has shifted towards digital game distribution, retailers like GameStop have struggled to stay afloat, with similar retailers shutting down entirely as the years have gone on. GameStop has notably had its own difficulties in recent times, though certainly not without attempts to innovate by branching into additional business ventures. The retail chain notably acquired other game store brands, created MovieStop stores in the early 2000s, and announced a new initiative forGameStop stores to start buying andselling Pokemon TCGsinglesin 2024.
GameStop’s efforts in trading cardsseem to have been successful for the company, and it’s planning on pushing it even further. InGameStop’s annual meeting for 2025, CEO Ryan Cohen explained that thanks to cutting costs, excess inventory, shutting down unprofitable stores, and focusing on “core fundamentals” like trading cards have led to the company having its first profitable opening quarter in six years. Cohen calls it a “natural extension” for the physical game retailer chain, and that, going forward, the company will be increasing its focus on trading cards, including sports,Pokemon, and other collectible cards.
Trading Cards are Booming
Although GameStop saw its stocks slip 22% following this annual meeting, it’s quite possible that this plan could work out well for the company. Trading cards are extremely popular these days, with franchises likePokemon TCGandMagic: The Gatheringdoing very well in particular. While digital games and online titles likePokemon TCG PocketandMagic: The Gathering Arenahave seen success, GameStop’s initiative seems to be partially based on the notion that physical cards can’t be usurped by digital sales and games the way that standard video games have seen over the years.
Pokemon TCG, in particular, has seen extreme demand in recent years, with fans flocking to buy packs and individual cards every time a release is announced. This has led to shortages all over the world and actual stampedes in stores to grabPokemon TCGsets that have just released. However, there could be some potential dangers to focusing on this initiative, as well.Pokemon TCGhas seen a significant amount of crime surrounding the game, with thieves seizing the cards as assets that are easy to resell, practically impossible to track, and easy to store and traffic. In the past, even a formerGameStop employee has been accused of stealingPokemon TCGcards.
While there’s no guarantee that this venture will pay off for GameStop, the first quarter does seem to indicate that there’s more than a glimmer of hope for the company.Pokemon TCG’s popularity has been long-lasting, and with games likeMagic: The GatheringintroducingFinal Fantasycrossover cardsthat have been wildly popular, GameStop may have found a profitable way forward.
