Independent and chain video game retailers in the U.S. are finding out what merchants in other categories already know. When Wal-Mart comes after consumers in your market, it's playing for keeps.
The world's largest retailer announced that it was lowering prices 15 to 20 percent on its top 25 titles and it will sell other popular games in its inventory at $10 a piece through Christmas Eve. It also said it will give a $50 gift card to every shopper who purchases a Wii game console through Dec. 12.
"We have promised shoppers that through the holidays, even after last week, we would continue to offer real savings on items we know are on shoppers' minds, and this offer is for anyone buying games as gifts or even for themselves," said Greg Hall, vice president media and services, Walmart Entertainment, in a press release. "Regardless of whether you have a PS3, Xbox or Wii, these savings will help anyone to build a gaming library with great new titles."
Discussion Questions: What will Wal-Mart's price rollback do to the video game market for the rest of the holiday season and beyond? Do competitors have any option other than to match Wal-Mart's lowered prices?