June 10, 2009 // Franchising.com // After months of research and months more planning a new layout for Play N Trade stores, the big day finally arrived for the grand opening of the Hodgkins, Ill. Play N Trade store on May 29. The Hodgkins store was the first to use Play N Trade's new layout and design.
For the new design, Play N Trade hired EWI Worldwide to research the gaming industry. Research found that while the typical video gamer was changing, the retailers were not. Based on the findings, Play N Trade designed a layout to appeal to both casual gamers and mothers while still staying true to dedicated gamers and unveiled it on May 29.
The festivities started with a VIP event including a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. In attendance were various city and community representatives including Marge Hamm from Bears Care, the charitable beneficiary for the Chicago Bears and Corey Graham, Chicago cornerback. Graham posed for pictures and signed autographs for eager fans. At 4 p.m. the store was opened to the public amid great excitement and enthusiasm.
The next day was equally eventful as 13 Chicago rookies came to welcome people into the store. The rookies signed autographs, played video games and had a great time celebrating the opening of the store. Play N Trade CEO Larry Plotnick was also in attendance meeting customers and enjoying himself on the Nintendo Wii.
Customers and franchisees alike enjoyed the new store layout and festivities of the event. "I loved the layout and had nothing but great, positive feedback," said Johnny Graves, general manager. "From the guests to the franchisees, everyone had good things to say about it and many vowed to come back."
The event also received much media coverage, including CNBC.com, Yahoo! Canada and AOL Money among other publications.
About Play N Trade
Play N Trade is the largest and fastest-growing video game franchise worldwide. They have opened more than 250 stores with plans to have over 300 open by then end of 2009. The company provides exceptional training, support and marketing systems to its store owners, who in turn provide an outstanding customer experience for their shoppers. Play N Trade customers can try any video game before they buy, participate in local and national tournaments, have their consoles and games repaired, as well as buy, sell and trade video games.
###
