GameStop Bails on Microsoft Zune

May 23, 2008 By Nick Mokey

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.

Showing 4 comments

Tim Stevens at 1:08am 25th May 2008 Exactly, why would game stop be in the business of selling MP3 players? It seems silly.
Jake in LA at 11:38pm 24th May 2008 I'm surprised that Gamestop would think that the Zune would have a major draw to begin with. Since the first reviews came out, it was a downward spiral. Now Microsoft needs to deal with Zune dying, and everyone hating Vista.
James B. at 9:06pm 24th May 2008 In all fairness to Microsoft, I don't see Gamestop selling the iPod anywhere. And from the Gamestop website, I can't even tell where to buy the Zune, I had to do a search for it.

I just think Gamestop is the wrong place to sell items like MP3 players.
pete at 9:22am 23rd May 2008 How many Zunes have been sold since Microsoft launched them? I heard it's under 3million. Apple alone sold 10.6 million iPods or something last quarter.

Any way for someone to post exact numbers?

Thanks