GameStop Bails on Microsoft Zune

Lackluster sales have lead GameStop to dump its remaining Zunes and swear off the MP3 players for good in the future.

Despite Microsoft’s continuing efforts to reinvigorate the Zune concept with lower prices, new accessories and new online services, retailers don’t seem to be taking the bait. On Thursday, major game retailer GameStop revealed that it has pared the Zune out of its offerings entirely, citing poor consumer demand for the decision.

“We have decided to exit the Zune category because it just did not have the appeal we had anticipated,” said a GameStop spokesperson, according to TheStreet.com, which first reported the news. The spokesman also cited the Zune’s poor fit with the retailer’s product mix, which appears to be a fair assertion given GameStop’s focus on games and the lack of other MP3 players offered in the store.

Although the company said it made the decision a month ago, it will continue to offer the players until its inventory is gone, explaining why its Web site still offers a Zune landing page and a healthy selection of Zune players and accessories.