Technology
MBE partnered with GameStop for this story
GameStop Influencer Press Day
Recently I attended an eye-opening press day at GameStop in Universal City, California. There, I experienced first-hand the full range of video gaming products the company offers to consumers in addition to learning about their comprehensive trade-in program, deals and offers. This national event for female bloggers, which traveled to multiple major market cities from New York to L.A., was organized by the team at Techlicious, a company that provides a treasure trove of family-friendly consumer electronics information, advice and resources to parents. Moms LA was instrumental in bringing together us Southern California women tech bloggers for the Los Angeles leg of GameStop's Navigate the Holidays blogger tour.
 |
| Me flanked by Sarah and Yvonne of MomsLA |
 |
| Some games and accessories from GameStop |
With more than 91% of video games now on the market qualifying as family friendly, chances are if your kids are into video games they probably received more than a few new titles for Christmas that they are really into right now. You may have even purchased some gifts for your children at GameStop online or in one of more than 6000 company-owned stores worldwide.
 |
| GameStop's well-stocked shelves |
 |
| Suzanne Kantra, Techlicious shares gaming stats |
Transforming Unwanted Video Games, Equipment Into New Gear
Video game play continues to soar in popularity especially among young people. Even before the holidays, a survey commissioned by GameStop and research partner Brierley + Partners found that 42% of shoppers were planning on purchasing video games and related products for kids.
It turns out, video games and consumer electronics proved once again to be extremely popular presents. In fact both were among the best performing product categories during the 2013 holiday shopping season, according to actual sales statistics reported by comScore in early January.
It turns out, video games and consumer electronics proved once again to be extremely popular presents. In fact both were among the best performing product categories during the 2013 holiday shopping season, according to actual sales statistics reported by comScore in early January.
 |
| Young Boy test drives Playstation 3 at GameStop |
Now that the holidays are over, I'm betting that your kids' new games and equipment have dethroned others that they used to play with. Why not turn this problem into an opportunity? Instead of allowing old and unwanted video games and equipment to pile up, clutter your house and collect dust, this month would be a great time to take advantage of GameStop's Buy-Sell-Trade program which operates year-round.
 |
| Disney Infinity ranks among best-sellers |
Whether or not products were originally purchased at GameStop, trading in gaming items there that your youngsters no longer use or want is one of the most affordable ways for you to help them upgrade their collection.
You can bring in old video games to your local retailer and exchange them for cash or GameStop instant store credit that can be used to buy gently-used and new games and equipment. But that's only the tip of the iceberg of opportunity for avid gamers who also want to stretch their budget. The retailer also accepts video game hardware, accessories, consumer electronics including Apple devices and more for trade-in.
You can bring in old video games to your local retailer and exchange them for cash or GameStop instant store credit that can be used to buy gently-used and new games and equipment. But that's only the tip of the iceberg of opportunity for avid gamers who also want to stretch their budget. The retailer also accepts video game hardware, accessories, consumer electronics including Apple devices and more for trade-in.
 |
| xBox ONE Accessories |
 |
| Full range of Wii Nintendo devices, games |
GameStop Loyalty Program
Sign up to join the GameStop PowerUp Rewards Loyalty Program with your email address at your local store to receive a membership card. Basic membership is free; Pro annual membership is $14.99 and includes lots of extras. Either way, benefits of membership include getting invitations to member-only events, advance notice of sales, promotions and other offers. To score points simply use your card whenever you make a purchase or trade and then spend your points then or later on new and previously owned games, consoles and accessories. With this program you also get to choose from the rewards catalog that is updated with new exclusive gear weekly, including things like collector's items and rare game-related experiences.
GameStop, headquartered in Texas, is a Fortune 500 company and is the world's largest multichannel video game retailer. In adition to GameStop.com, the store's network includes Kongregate.com, GameStop.com/PC and BuyMyTronics.com. Stay up to date with the latest news by checking out those sites as well as following GameStop on Twitter and Facebook.
 |
| Universal CityWalk GameStop Store |
January is traditionally the time to reorganize at home. So why not start now to teach kids practical organizational skills by example? Show your children how to take inventory of their existing gaming gear and how to assess what to keep and what to give away. Then, take your young game enthusiasts to GameStop to start transforming those ugly ducklings into some new and/or previously owned cool stuff they can't wait to start using.
FTC Disclosure: I attended a lunch press event hosted by GameStop and received a gift bag. Opinions here are my own and I did not receive any other payment or compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.