GameStop sales up by 89 per cent

US retailer GameStop has recorded third quarter sales of just over US $1 billion (EUR 779 million), up from US $534.2 million (EUR 416.6 million) from the previous year.

The company cites Xbox 360 and DS hardware, coupled with an impressive performance by Madden NFL 2007, Saints Row, Dead Rising and Splinter Cell: Double Agent as key drivers for the period.

"Not only did we have a excellent third quarter, but the sales during the period indicate that GameStop is building momentum heading into the holiday season," said CEO R. Richard Fontaine.

"Strong sales of Microsoft's Xbox 360, an unexpected resilient performance from Sony's PlayStation 2 and robust sales of Nintendo's DS Lite reflect a growing installed base of game customers measured by our 69 per cent increase in hardware sales," he added.

The retailer recorded profits of US $13.6 million (EUR 10.6 million), up from a loss of US $2.5 million (EUR 1.9 million) for the same period in 2005, attributed to consumers waiting for the launch of the Xbox 360.

Fontaine is confident the variety of consoles on offer has reinvigorated the market, for both returning customers and new consumers.

"We have a contemporary platform attracting core customers, a seven year-old platform attracting a value customer, handhelds attracting a broader demographic gamer, and the latest revolutionary systems just coming to market," he commented.

"Never before in videogame history have we had so many outstanding consoles to energise the existing gamers, entice the upgrade customer, and attract new customers to gaming and GameStop."