Babbage’s Etc., a retailer of PC and video games specialty retailing,
launched thegamestop.com, a new e-commerce
“supersite” that puts a Web interface on Babbage’s Etc.’s buying power and distribution infrastructure.
The site offers researching, buying or updating of game products and news
about the gaming industry.
The site also permits shoppers dissatisfied with an online purchase to return
or exchange items to any Babbage’s or Software Etc. store.
Babbage’s Etc. said it caters to gamer’s passion to buy new product first.
The company said its “rapid response” distribution network has shipping
centers strategically located near popular software publishers, allowing
Babbage’s to pick up product faster and send it directly to its stores,
shaving days off the distribution cycle.
At thegamestop.com, gamers can opt to have products shipped to their door, or
can arrange for new titles to be picked up at a local Babbage’s or Software
Etc. store on the day of the release.
“Just like our stores, our online philosophy is to get hardcore gamers
product first, product fast, and to keep them informed on what’s coming out
next,” said Dan DeMatteo, president of Babbage’s Etc.
Part of Babbage’s Etc.’s new standard in online shopping is to offer
“multi-tier” customer support. Products purchased online can be exchanged or
returned off-line at any of the more than 480 Babbage’s and Software Etc.
retail outlets across the U.S.
“Our consumer research revealed that returning merchandise shipped directly
to the consumer is considered one of the serious shortcomings of traditional
e-commerce,” said DeMatteo.
“We’re offering the convenience of buying online
along with the benefit of walking into a store staffed by gaming experts to ask questions, exchange or even return product. By closely integrating our online with our brick and mortar infrastructure, we can offer the highest level of customer satisfaction.”
