Play N Trade, the world’s largest video game retail franchisor, has announced expansion to Canada through a merger with Canadian-based Dimensions Games Corporation. Dimension Games will now be known as Play N Trade Canada, and all new Canadian stores will open with the Play N Trade signage, branding and innovative store layout. The full integration of both companies will take place over the next few months.
"I could not be happier with the merger with Dimension Games," said Play N Trade President Sean Finnigan. "Dimension’s systems are both innovative and complementary to the current Play N Trade offering. This merger is about growth-value for partners, increased focus on our Canadian operations, enhanced products and services for customers, and new opportunities for franchise owners."
Both chains have track records of developing environments focused on delivering the best experiences for gaming fans on both sides of the border. Unique in their industry, the stores provide tournaments, try-before-you-buy shopping, a broad selection of hottest titles and devices, and even retro and collectors games. Expansion of the business will now extend to trade-in of consumer electronics, gadgets, and Apple devices. Local franchise owners are passionate about making their stores the premier destinations for all things gaming.
Martin Tardif, Vice President of Dimension Games, is equally enthusiastic about the merger. "With this merger, we recognize an incredible amount of added value for our organization, our franchisees and our loyal customers in Québec," Tardif stated." Our customer base will now have access to additional benefits like exclusive gaming content, international tournaments, enhanced repair services, and a VIP rewards program. Now there are even more tools that the Dimension store owners can offer their local communities in the ever-growing world of video games. Furthermore, this transaction will allow us to develop new revenue streams for our franchisee and further position our company to be a world leader in our remarkable industry."
The leadership teams of both organizations saw an opportunity to offer customers the best practices and programs deployed currently by both brands. Dimension Games has developed advantageous online programs for customers and store owners, an innovative inter-store inventory transfer program, a robust in-store gaming pay-for-play platform, and a mature game rental model. Play N Trade has a growing repair business, franchise support structure, vendor and partner support, and a leading market position that will be the basis of growth for all stores.
Other substantial benefits to the merger include increased purchasing power and access to vendors due to Play N Trade purchasing power; increased eco-friendliness due to re-use and recycling of media and electronics; and the doubling of Play N Trade’s Canadian footprint overnight. Additionally, Play N Trade’s expansion into Canada should better prepare the chain to seek further growth in other international markets.