WHSmith dropping PS3 from it’s stores?
I tend to visit my local WHSmith store at least a few times each week. It’s handy at lunch time to just pop in for the latest games magazine or even just to see what new software is up on the shelves.
Over the last couple of weeks though I’d been noticing some changes to their games department. Shelf space for PS3 titles seemed to be decreasing, whilst the number of Xbox and Wii titles was increasing. Just a sign of the times I thought, less PS3 titles are available at retail than the others so it seemed sensible that less space was devoted to them.
This week though, WHSmith have totally removed all traces of PS3 from the store - no consoles, no games and no accessories. Xbox and Wii kit though continues to be available.
Thinking this a little strange, I contacted the retailer to check why this was happening. I was basically told that for information on PS3 stocking levels, I would need to talk to head office. But, the guy I spoke to was willing to speak ‘off the record’ - apparently PS3 titles are just not shifting in many of their stores. The reduction and eventual removal of PS3 titles is based on a store by store basis which means some stores will continue to stock them, whilst others won’t.
At the time of writing, PS3 consoles and games are still available via the WHSmith website.
We’ve contacted head office for ‘official’ information so will post that up when we get a response.
Does your local WHSmith still have PS3 kit available? Let us know in the comments section.
Posted by Bleem - May 8th, 2008 -
May 8th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
OK… Why is an xbox fan site showing up on PS3 news searches… 2) Why is it that the majority of xbot blog sites even waste time reporting PS3 “news”? Hmm… Oh yeah, it’s all part of the M$ viral marketing… good job.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Actually, the posting isn’t ‘news’ - it’s a question based on observations.
I just happen to check out what 360 titles Smith’s happen to have on the shelves when I’m in the store and noted the PS3 stuff had gone. Something worth reporting I’m sure you’d agree.
Not sure why we are showing up on PS3 news searches, perhaps because the title happens to have PS3 in it? That’d do it.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
What’s a WHSmith store? Never heard of them. Is it like a RadioShack? Do they carry headphone plug extentions? I need one that goes from a standard female end to a mini male end.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
WHsmith last time I was in blighty (I moved about 2-3 years ago) was pretty much books, dvd’s, posters etc.
I don’t know why anyone would shop there for games, but hey if its all you got and its cheap I’m all for that.
I don’t see why they would just ‘disapear’ tho, unles they got moved to another store, you don’t just throw stock away, maybe that particular store jsut isn’t selling PS3’s very well so it was cut.
Tis a shame too, considering the PS3 has finally beaten the 360 in terms of unit sales in Europe. But I suppose the UK has always been more in tune with the US than mainland Europe so is probably a 360 haven.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I think it’s pretty obvious what is going on here. The PS3 is a complete failure and it seems has bankrupted Sony so completely that they are recalling their PS3 merchandise and probably hawking it on eBay to try to get some of their money back. Also I’m pretty sure this is a clear indicator that anyone who owns a PS3 is damned to an afterlife of hellfire and brimstone and bleeding eyeballs.
I’m not the only one who sees this, right?
XBOX ftw!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
The branch near me stopped stocking the PS3 quite a while ago, though to be fair it’s only a small branch and last gen they stopped stocking the original Xbox so i guess they just stick with the demand in that particular area and as of yet i’ve not come across anybody who own’s a PS3, everyone i know of in my area has a Wii, 360 or PS2. I’m not saying there arent any PS3 owners in my area but it’s a small town and i get around a bit so there can’t be many.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Maybe theyre sold out as PS3 has outsold xbox360 in Europe despite Microsoft having a 16 month headstart as reported on reputable sites such as the BBC. You can pick up a 360 anywhere though… game, woolworths or off the huge pile round the back of Microsofts offices just follow the pretty red lights.
May 9th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
@wozza
Hey wozza you shouldn’t be trolling for free! Sony pay good money for trolls, you’re getting ripped off man!
May 15th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
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May 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
Is that so Nobody? And this “speculative” article isn’t an attempt at stroking someone’s fanboy ego? A bit like the pot calling the kettle a troll don’t you think? The only difference is that what wozza said is fact that can be backed up by legitimate publicised data, and this article is based on an “off the record” conversation from an undisclosed source only known as “the guy i spoke to”. This source of insight into corporate marketing strategies has no references, no given position of employment at WHSmith, and in turn has zero credibility as an expert on the matter. In fact the article doesn’t even SAY that “this guy i spoke to” even works at the WHSmith. He is merely the messenger of a convieniently off the record quote. Logic is gold, reading comprehension FTW!