Play N Trade Franchise Retailer Opens 200th Store

Retailer Play N Trade says it opened its 200th store in North Carolina earlier in the month -- in fact, it claims to be averaging a new store opening every two weeks, selling a total of 550 franchises nationally since it launched in 2000. Play N Trade uses a franchising business model, selling store locations to business owners and then supporting them in running their retail operations. The 200th store is the third in the Charlotte area. It's unclear whether the 350 franchises not currently open are stores that have previously been licensed by store-owners and then closed, or whether they are largely newly licensed stores that are yet to open. CEO Tom McMahon says the 200th store spells success for Play N Trade's franchise expansion strategy, which he claims can "seamlessly weather any market dynamics and economic changes." He added: "We believe that giving gamers the right combination of products, service and support through our franchisees and web site, will elevate gaming to a new level of enjoyment and competition."