Gaming retailer GameStop has teamed up with AT&T’s prepaid division, Cricket Wireless, to offer Cricket service at over 2,800 of the the company’s retail stores. The program is being rolled out nationwide after the partnership was trialed in test markets. Th full rollout will be completed by the end of October. Cricket phones will be able to be purchased on store trade-in credit. Cricket customers will be able to merge the $50 credit towards a new phone after a year with GameStop’s PowerUps rewards program. Cricket offers AT&T’s LTE network and offers plans for as low as $35. The companies are also launching an interactive video game detailing the partnership.
GameStop To Offer Cricket Wireless Service In U.S. Stores
Convenience of Wireless Service Now Available at The World’s Largest Specialty Retailer
Sep 8, 2014- LAS VEGAS, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — One store, one stop, one retail destination for gaming, wireless and entertainment technology. Today, Cricket Wireless and GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a family of specialty retail brands that makes customers’ favorite technologies affordable and simple, announced a new strategic retail relationship that will offer Cricket Wireless’ no-annual contract service in more than 2,800 GameStop U.S. store locations.
After a successful trial in select markets, the two national brands have come together to offer value conscious customers the latest wireless/mobile, video game and entertainment technology they want at a great value.
Starting next month, GameStop will begin selling Cricket Wireless no-annual contract service and the latest smartphone devices and accessories. Both companies expect the phased rollout to be completed by the end of October.
“GameStop is committed to providing our customers the greatest value and service to meet all their video game, technology and now wireless needs,” said Tony Bartel, president of GameStop. “By offering Cricket Wireless service in our stores, we provide yet another great offering for our customers to get their favorite technology simply and affordably.”
The uniqueness of the strategic relationship builds on the strengths and benefits of both retailers. Cricket Wireless delivers customers value with a 4G network covering more than 98% of Americans, more 4G LTE coverage than Sprint, Boost, T-Mobile and MetroPCS, and plans starting at $35 a month after $5 AutoPay* credit with taxes and fees included.
“Cricket Wireless’ collaboration with GameStop accelerates our retail footprint across the U.S., solidifying our position as a national player,” said Jennifer Van Buskirk, president of Cricket Wireless. “We are proud to join forces with GameStop and serve even more customers across the country with our affordable no-annual contract wireless service on a fast, reliable and nationwide 4G LTE network covering more than 300 million Americans.”
GameStop delivers an industry leading buy-sell-trade program that offers customers a way to have more money to spend on games, accessories and more. Customers will be able to sell GameStop their existing phones, video games systems, and other electronic devices to save big on the purchase of a new Cricket phone – customers will have more money to spend on other products inside GameStop stores.
Cricket and GameStop both offer unique loyalty programs in the prepaid and gaming industry—further delivering on the promise to provide great value to customers. Cricket Rewards offers customers who stay with Cricket for a year a $50 device credit that can be used to get a free phone. GameStop’s PowerUp Rewards program offers members discounts and more trade value on pre-owned products and the opportunity to collect points that can be redeemed for unique experiences and exclusive, one-of-a-kind swag. The Cricket and GameStop relationship unlocks exciting and unique rewards possibilities for the future – amazing offers, new ways to save, exclusive extras and more.
To help create excitement around this news, Cricket Wireless has utilized the latest in 3D and virtual reality technology to create an interactive video game demonstrating how GameStop customers can experience the simplicity, value and power behind Cricket Wireless services. The video game will debut tomorrow at “CTIA Super Mobility Week,” within the Cricket Wireless booth in the “Connected Life” area of the showroom. Customers are invited to stop by and test their video game skills as they journey through the rendered virtual reality experience of its planned footprint within GameStop stores.
To find the GameStop store nearest you visit www.gamestop.com. To check out the new Cricket, all the current promotions or find a store near you, visit www.cricketwireless.com and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/cricketnation and Twitter at twitter.com/Cricketnation.
About Cricket Wireless
Cricket is bringing consumers more value with a simple, friendly, and reliable nationwide wireless experience with no annual contract. The power of Cricket is our nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 300 million people; easy and affordable unlimited plans with taxes and fees included; annual loyalty rewards; and a great selection of phones customers love. Cricket, Something to Smile About. Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere.
About GameStop Corp.
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 15 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 33 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 238 AT&T branded stores. Cricket Wireless, www.cricketwireless.com, is a new AT&T brand offering pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories. We operate 48 Cricket stores in select markets throughout the United States.
General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company’s corporate website http://news.gamestop.com/. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/GameStop.
