GameStop survey reveals 100 percent of respondents still seeking the perfect gifts

Six in 10 need gift ideas for their loved ones

GRAPEVINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 24, 2014-- Today, GameStop released the results of its last-minute holiday shopping survey revealing that 100 percent of respondents have not completed their holiday shopping despite having just 16 hours remaining before Dec. 25. The survey, fielded Dec. 20 and 21, found that, of 400 respondents, almost half (49%) had completed less than 50 percent of their shopping and 22 percent had not even started the process.

“While last-minute shopping happens every year, this year seems particularly frantic with more than half of shoppers even unsure of what to buy for their loved ones,” said Frank Hamlin, chief marketing officer at GameStop. “Part of our job is helping folks figure out great gift ideas for everyone on their list. Knowing that electronics, video games and accessories are the most wished-for items every year, we have something for everyone and we can assist frenzied shoppers in finding just the right thing for their special ‘someones’.”

According to the GameStop survey, lack of time and money were the leading causes of unfinished holiday shopping. While 33 percent have not had the time to shop, a full 38 percent cited “cash flow” as the reason they have not wrapped up their gift-buying tasks. Difficulty finding the right gift is also contributing to the last-minute holiday rush, with six in ten respondents admitting to uncertainty about what to get their loved ones. Other survey findings include:

• Helping Santa’s Helpers: 19 percent of respondents believe the only way to complete their holiday shopping is to produce a clone of themselves; 16 percent believe coffee will help them get the job done; eight percent need an expert to consult with them on the best gift ideas.
• Let’s Make a Deal: More than one-third of shoppers (35 percent) are still looking for good deals and offers to stretch their holiday budgets to cover everyone on their lists.
• That Awkward Moment When You Have No Clue: Almost one-third of respondents (32 percent) had some but not all the gift ideas needed for everyone on their list, while 11 percent were “clueless” about what to buy.
• Say Uncle: Some respondents are so far behind on their shopping, they are considering giving up and simply skipping the holidays this year (16 percent).
• Consider it a Gift “Starter Kit:” If they are unable to come up with any other ideas, 17 percent of respondents are considering giving their loved ones gift cards or cash.

Gift certificates or cash may be enthusiastically received by the kids on most holiday shopping lists. According to the survey, one-fourth of respondents (25 percent) admitted that in the past, gift cards or cash may have been better choices than the items they selected for children’s gifts. Complaints shoppers often hear about gifts they purchase for kids, include:

• It is not what the child wanted or it is the wrong color or model (19 percent)
• Children’s siblings or friends received more gifts than they did (15 percent)
• It is missing the accessories, such as batteries or headphones (12 percent)
• It is not “cool” anymore (12 percent)

Stretching Holiday Shopping Dollars

While almost two-fifths of shoppers (38 percent) blame cash-flow for putting a damper on their holiday gift quest, savvy shoppers have figured out clever ways to stretch their shopping dollars. For example, many shoppers are purchasing pre-owned, high-ticket electronics and leveraging electronics trade-in programs to maximize their holiday budgets. In addition, shoppers are taking advantage of loyalty programs to learn about special offers and earn additional discounts.

“To help shoppers stay within their gifting budgets, GameStop offers a wide selection of pre-owned smartphones, tablets, games, accessories and more,” said Hamlin. “Plus, shoppers can trade in any one of thousands of unused games, electronics and devices to receive cash or credit to give them the extra buying power they need to finish their holiday shopping.”

“I encourage cash-strapped shoppers who are scrambling to buy last-minute gifts to join the tens of thousands of other shoppers who already have taken advantage of these options this season,” he said.

Customers looking to take advantage of more great offers to help with their holiday shopping can do so by applying for the GameStop PowerUp Rewards credit card. The card provides cardholders with convenience and benefits exclusive to account holders that both gamers and parents can appreciate – including with online purchases. PowerUp Rewards Pro members will receive a one-time award of 15,000 bonus points, and PowerUp Rewards Basic members will receive a one-time award of 5,000 bonus points with the first credit card transaction.

For inspiration for gift ideas, visit a local GameStop store location or the Holiday Hub at www.GameStop.com/Holiday-Hub. TheGameStop Holiday Hub brings all the very best products, a host of deals, and interactive tools together in one spot to make shopping for family, friends, and even yourself, simpler.

Methodology

This survey was commissioned and conducted by GameStop and research partner Survata. It was fielded on Dec. 20, 2014. A total of 400 responders, between the ages of 18 and 54, participated in the online survey.

About GameStop

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. GameStop operates more than 6,600 stores across 14 countries. The company’s consumer product network also includes www.gamestop.com; www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer® magazine, the world’s leading print and digital video game publication; and www.buymytronics.com, an online consumer electronics trade-in platform. In addition, our Technology Brands segment includes our Simply Mac, Spring Mobile and Cricket stores. Simply Mac, www.simplymac.com, operates 46 stores, selling the full line of Apple products, including laptops, tablets, smartphones and offering Apple certified warranty and repair services. Spring Mobile, http://springmobile.com, sells post-paid AT&T services and wireless products through its 311 AT&T branded stores. Cricket Wireless, www.cricketwireless.com, offers pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories. We operate 51 Cricket stores in select markets throughout the United States.

General information about GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/GameStop.

GameStop PowerUp Rewards Credit Card accounts are offered by Comenity Capital Bank.

*Selection may vary by store. While supplies last. No dealers. GameStop, Inc. reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the offer for any reason without notice. Offer good in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Guam only. Void where prohibited. iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod® (including images thereof) are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. GameStop is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc. © 2014 GameStop, Inc.

Source: GameStop Corp.

Jackie Smith
GameStop Corp.
817-722-7520
jackiesmith@gamestop.com