Closing Game Crazy stores begin clearance sales this weekend [update]
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Sep 30th 2009 at 8:35AM } 
The timetable for the liquidation, corroborated by several sources:
- 10/3-10/11: 30% off everything in the store
- 10/12-10/18: 50% off everything in the store
- 10/19-Closing: 80% off everything in the store
We continue to work on getting a master list of which stores are closing, as well as a list of items sent back for redistribution. Request for official comment from Game Crazy corporate on several issues, including what customers with pre-orders at closing stores should do, have gone unanswered. If you're a Game Crazy employee with more details, please feel free to contact us*.
*Tips will remain confidential, please leave a valid email address in case we have further questions. Thank you!
Update 2: If you know of specific locations closing, click here.
Update: Adjusted liquidation dates slightly following new information.
[Thank you to everyone who contributed to this story!]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Steve MP @ Sep 30th 2009 8:41AM
Bring on the game deals! Never been to a "Gamecrazy" before though.
dark_inchworm (stronger than never, ever before) @ Sep 30th 2009 9:27AM
They aren't too bad, in my limited experience. Last I checked, they still sold games older than the GBA/PS2, eras Gamestop has basically abandoned. And I'd love to drain some money into their clearance like the spend-happy bastard that I am, but the ONE Game Crazy I've ever been to (maybe even the only one I've seen, honest to goodness) already shut down about a year ago. Meh
Platinum_Skeet @ Sep 30th 2009 5:19PM
Time to buy my 360 racing wheel...
Temidien @ Sep 30th 2009 8:44AM
Can a list of closing stores be found anywhere?
FFAngelLightning11 @ Sep 30th 2009 8:45AM
[Banned!]
gobo @ Sep 30th 2009 8:51AM
Game Crazy is a great store, and the only brick and mortar I buy my games from on a regular basis. I hope this doesn't affect our three GC stores, but I wouldn't mind getting in on these deals (I was in heaven when Media Play was bought out by Best Buy).
All GameStops are bad though. It's written somewhere important that the employee break-room in each store is a portal to hell.
gobo @ Sep 30th 2009 8:52AM
Reply to UUDevilRain99.
Temidien @ Sep 30th 2009 8:55AM
For my money, Play-n-Trade is where it's at. Only has 240-some stores open so far, but after discovering one in Tampa, I'm just disgusted with Gamestop. Never been to a Game Crazy, but from what I hear they're pretty great too. It's a shame these smaller chains are having trouble >
Martin @ Sep 30th 2009 9:12AM
Play n Trade here in MN is great too. As far as I know all of our Game Crazy stores closed years ago.
Phil @ Sep 30th 2009 9:35AM
The Play n Trade near me sucks. It is owned by a couple who don't really enjoy games at all. It makes the overall shopping experience feel somewhat hostile.
The two Gameforce locations near me are the shit tho. Staffed by game geeks. It is fantastic to go in those stores.
GewurztraminerX @ Sep 30th 2009 9:39AM
Game Crazy always had the best deals (at least, 5 years ago) but then I moved to Miami and I don't think there are even any in Florida.
GameStop has always been my last choice and I even preferred EB over it, until GS took over.
Play-N-Trade was a great find which I think I found based on comments at joystiq about a year back. Selection can be limited, but the trade-ins are often decent; plus they take Rock Band drums and GS doesn't.
IGLAW @ Sep 30th 2009 10:16AM
Play N Trade tried to nose its way into our neighborhood and got stomped into closing within 3 months by the unstoppable force that is CD/Game Exchange.
I've never seen such a legendarily successful local business. It is truly a god among game stores.
And the same 3 guys have worked there for like the last 5 years.
Tom Kalinske @ Sep 30th 2009 10:31AM
Play-n-trade wasn't bad, but I have both a Bookman's two hours away, and a mom-n-pop game store in town.
I love them both, but especially Bookman's. Picking up boxed copies of 32X games for a dollar is just priceless.
GewurztraminerX @ Sep 30th 2009 10:53AM
I thought about mentioning Bookman's, but they aren't even the same caliber as your average game store, what with everything else they sell.
One of the best things about Arizona.
Tom Kalinske @ Sep 30th 2009 12:19PM
Yes, AZ is a great state.
Wewtaco @ Sep 30th 2009 2:47PM
I love my gamestop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It has awesome employees that are fun to chat with, not creepy at all. Seems like it's the only one like that from what I hear from other people.
SoshiKitai @ Sep 30th 2009 4:14PM
I liked Gamestop, and still kinda' do.
I still kinda' do because of pre-order bonuses........ IF THEY REMEMBER WHERE THEY PUT IT.
I liked it a lot before because a Gamestop near my area was managed by an awesome guy that just CARED ABOUT THE CUSTOMERS. ... he would always reserve copies, he even gave away freebies to loyal customers, and he even gave us a deal or two when we bought game systems.
....Play-N-Trade? Near my area, kinda' sucks.
It's cool that they have some old stuff, and items that are hard to find...
But seriously, the one near my area ARE NEVER ON TIME.
All their games come a week late after release, and even then, most of the games I name to them: They've never heard of. :(
Now what we have, is the almighty GAME DUDE. The classic game warehouse that's been there since I've been a wee little lad. Game Dude = awesomeness x10.
...They don't really do pre-orders that well, but they do always have large stocks of the game on release (and afterwards). They've got good imports, TONS of oldies stuff, great used copies, rare games and good deals. First-come-first-serve kinda' deal a good number of times.
SoshiKitai @ Sep 30th 2009 4:16PM
BTW: The awesome manager of that Gamestop - got transferred, after his ex became a higher position than him.
Ouch.
captainprotonx @ Sep 30th 2009 8:54AM
I don't visit many brick stores anymore, but it's a damn shame options are fading.
I can foresee Activition buying GameStop to further take the "fun" out of the whole cycle. Who needs fun? This is a business.
mat parker @ Sep 30th 2009 8:57AM
I remember when woolies closed got Fallout 3 for a Tenner
zefur @ Sep 30th 2009 10:22AM
I left just before they closed down and I was pissed cos my friend bought play tv at 90% when I paid full price and other workers were putting/hiding xboxs so that they could get them on the last day (or just walk out with them) by that point no-one gave a shit
yuppicide @ Sep 30th 2009 9:31AM
I would say most game stores suck except independently owned ones, they usually tend to get and carry the harder to find stuff. This one up Northern New Jersey usually gives my friend his preordered game the day before it's due to be released!
I hate Gamestop and all their companies. Game Crazy wasn't that great either.
GewurztraminerX @ Sep 30th 2009 11:32AM
$40?! You need to stop shopping at that walmart then. The 2 GB should only be $10 (via walmart.com)
Though, again, I don't debate that it's an item that can easily be found at prices well above the norm.
GewurztraminerX @ Sep 30th 2009 11:33AM
Sorry yuppicide -- I need to work on my aim...
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 30th 2009 9:18AM
Memory?? people still buy PS2 Memory Cards??
starscream1985 @ Sep 30th 2009 9:24AM
Uh, if they still have a PS2, yeah. And they make memory cards for 360 also, you know. The PS2 isn't the only system with memory cards lol
FFAngelLightning11 @ Sep 30th 2009 9:27AM
[Banned!]
gobo @ Sep 30th 2009 9:28AM
Wii and DSi "specific" SD Cards and Memory Stick Pro Duos for PSP are also part of that, and don't forget about 360 HDDs.
gobo @ Sep 30th 2009 9:31AM
Yes FFAngel, nothing says "wasting money" like investing in a system with one of the best game libraries available. Games you can't play if you go straight for the latest and greatest console unless you bought one two years ago.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 30th 2009 9:40AM
its crazy cause I bought like 8 PS2 Memory Cards and never bought anymore after that...I 4get the damn thing is still selling like 50-100k a month..thats crazy...
as for the Wii/DSi Specific SD cards...thats dumb as hell...people that get raped by paying extra for the brand on them even tho its just SANDISK are the same saps that will get raped by BestBuy and their $130 360/PS3 "Setup"
GewurztraminerX @ Sep 30th 2009 10:30AM
While it used to be the that the Wii-branded SD cards were a complete ripoff (I think it was $100 for 2GB to start?) that's no longer the case.
1 GB for $2.60 on Amazon.
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Sep 30th 2009 10:43AM
thats Amazon tho...they stil like $40 at Walmart...and that IS a Ripoff
RKN @ Sep 30th 2009 10:48AM
I'm sorry you've missed out on so many great PS1/PS2 games Sprinkles, you crazy monkey!
finnith @ Sep 30th 2009 9:28AM
I guess I'm off to Lockport, NY
Julian @ Sep 30th 2009 7:44PM
Neat, I'm off to there as well, I'm moving there from Colorado Springs, CO in a few days.
finnith @ Sep 30th 2009 9:38PM
Your comment doesn't seem to be a sarcastic one, while mine is.
In a previous Game Crazy article I noted that the closest Game Crazy to Toronto, Ontario was across the border in Lockport, NY. Even if I wanted to go there I can't, since I'm in uni right now and I don't even have a car (I can't even drive, don't ask why).
LameDuck @ Sep 30th 2009 9:31AM
So, you're telling me I can go to Game Crazy this weekend and get Peter Jackson's King Kong for 2 bux?! WHO WANTS TO GO WITH ME?! We'll load up my truck and resell them.
This is a better opportunity than the time I got an email from a real Nigerian Prince.
yuppicide @ Sep 30th 2009 9:34AM
You're complaining that people still buy Sony's PS2, but people are still buying new games made for the Atari 2600 that came out much longer before that! Now that system has one impressive library.
Justin N. @ Sep 30th 2009 9:39AM
Speaking as a former Game Crazy Employee myself, who went through a less-than-scrupulous store closure, here's a few tips for those of you clamoring for some deals:
1) Use any and all credit on your account, INCLUDING PRE-ORDERS. "Policy" is to send you a gift card for any credit left on the account after store closure, except 90% of these were lost in the mail and customers never received them. Use every last cent on your accounts.
2) DO NOT PRE-ORDER. When my store closed, we were under strict instructions to lie through our teeth, and keep selling MvP Cards and Pre-Orders under the guise they'd transfer to a "nearby" Game Crazy or Hollywood Video. They don't, and Movie Gallery wound up just keeping the cash. This is the reason I got fired (I told customers to cash out their balances and refused pre-orders, which got me shit-canned; DM trumped it up as opening material to get me out of there).
3) Don't count on systems being available. The employees usually put the sweet stuff in the back first for themselves, then wait until the last few days to buy it for dirt-cheap. This includes systems, Collectors Items, and Accessories (Especially Rock Band/Guitar Hero).
4) If you buy something used, ask the employee nicely for a disc cleaning (exception being BD/HD Movies and PS3 Games; the cleaner WILL ruin them). While we hate using that goopy, nasty disc cleaner, most of us will give you one on the house as the store closes since we know you can't return it. We're not all assholes.
5) If you happen to be in a position of power at another store/business, for the love of christ, OFFER US JOBS. Even giving us your business card helps. We work our asses off for $8.25/hr with no benefits, usually full-time with a healthy dose of overtime, especially with commission gone. Be a pal, and help point us to other jobs or careers, preferably with medical and dental.
6) Don't expect super service. We're pissed that we were stabbed in the back on short notice, so don't expect us to always go the extra mile. More than likely, we're spending our remaining hours ripping the rental library to a modded Xbox or laptop, or erasing Security Tapes. Not saying -I- did those things (Fired for honesty, remember?), but I know some coworkers at other stores who did.
7) The demo stations are not for sale, so don't ask. Seriously, I know the Xbox 360 TV looks sweet and all, but it's not for sale. We have to give it back to Samsung/Microsoft.
That's really about it. More than anything, be nice; we busted our ass for very little pay, enjoyed what we did for the most part, and more than likely didn't find out about our store closing until Joystiq broke the news to us (DM's aren't known for being open with information, or honest for that matter). We're cynical, bitter, and probably hung over in the morning from a pity drinking party, so please be nice to us. If you are, we may even help cut you some deals or put things aside until the final few days of discounts.
And again, offering us real work is always a plus.
baby sea tuna @ Sep 30th 2009 10:12AM
Thanks for not being the scumbag your former employers expected you to be. Good luck in any future endeavours! Hopefully your new bosses will appreciate your honesty and commitment to being a decent human.
aang1818 @ Sep 30th 2009 2:36PM
I'd offer you a job, but there's not much a cashier is qualified to do. Other than cashiering. If anyone in the NC area is interested I -MAY- have some positions shoveling asphalt, since several of my guys say they are quitting.
Good luck finding that medical/dental.
Orion @ Sep 30th 2009 10:50AM
What city/state do you live in, bud?
Justin N. @ Sep 30th 2009 11:05AM
Just to clarify, I am currently gainfully employed with Medical, Dental, and a decent paycheck, so thanks for the offers, but give them to one of your local closing Game Crazy guys.
@aang1818 You've obviously never worked retail, and are the kind of customer who we never, ever, cut deals for. Just because we may work or even enjoy working retail, does not mean we're uneducated dolts. I may not be a Physics Professor or Scientist, but he could do my job about as well as I could do his. Retail is more than "cashiering".
Tom Kalinske @ Sep 30th 2009 12:33PM
aang1818, that was a very stupid comment. I always enjoyed how people treated me like an invalid moron when I worked at Subway. The ones who didn't usually got discounts.
Really, with that attitude, it's no wonder your employees are quitting.
URM0MLIK3SME @ Sep 30th 2009 2:33PM
You seem to know a lot about this so would you know if these clearance items will be available online for the same price as they are in the stores?
aang1818 @ Sep 30th 2009 3:49PM
Guys truth be told I only said that to see what responsed I'd get. And you didn't dissapoint.
"I may not be a Physics Professor or Scientist, but he could do my job about as well as I could do his."
Comedy gold, I was ROFL for a good minute. If your sense of humor is that good you'd be wise to write an act and take it on the road.
"The ones who didn't usually got discounts" Also funny but not as much as the previous one, and it's only funny because I know that you have to be a tremendous jerk to give discounts. When I worked at Subway back in the day, any amount that was short was deducted from EVERYONES paycheck. Even so, if you are giving discounts illegaly you should be fired.
[ArchiGamer] [Live from Omicron Persei 8] @ Sep 30th 2009 2:57PM
You wouldn't perhaps, know which stores are closing, would you?
Mr Khan @ Sep 30th 2009 9:47AM
It's an ill wind that blows no one any good, after all, though once again, i'm said to see the institution that sold me my little white box go through this
Too bad i have no idea of any in my area (Northwest border of Philly, Merion Township, if anyone does know). Not having a car here at school doesn't help.
isotrex @ Sep 30th 2009 9:59AM
I guess this is the age of digital marketing now. But it's still nice to see some actual physical stores popping up and competing with each other. Too bad, I guess the crisis just got to them. Oh well, good luck to all those people especially those who'll get laid off.
baby sea tuna @ Sep 30th 2009 10:06AM
These places are still open? Mine went out of business about a year ago, with Hollywood video right behind it. Honestly, and I don't know if all their stores were run as poorly, but the Game Crazy I went to SUUUUUUCKED.
Well actually, it used to be run really well for years, and then they fired all the decent employees and replaced them with gamestop-level preorder-hawking robots, stopped ordering enough copies of new games, and eventually stopped even getting all but the biggest titles on release day. After several disappointments, I just quit going altogether. Damn shame too, since it all but killed Gamestop's local competition around here.