Ben-DutkaWhether you were aware of it or not, the Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) hands out annual Retailer of the Year Awards, and this year's winners have been revealed.
As reported by IndustryGamers , GameStop received the top award in the video game category (as if there was much of a choice). Amazon.com was recognized for its DVD and Blu-Ray business, Hollywood at Home won the Independent Retailer Award and Hastings Entertainment, Inc. received the Chairman's Award. You may be asking yourselves, "uh, how do they decide the winners? What's the criteria?" Well, it seems that the decisions were made "based on business practices, operational policies, marketing and merchandising programs, customer service, and involvement in EMA." GameStop kinda has the market cornered in its category, but consumers still have some reservations about the retailer, especially in regards to their pre-owned games business. Anyway, EMA President and CEO Bo Andersen had this to say:
"The award winners are recognized in the home entertainment industry as the leaders of their trade. EMA honors and commends the chosen merchants for their steadfast dedication to delivering an exceptional consumer experience and providing positive models for the industry.
EMA Chairman Bob Geistman of Ingram Entertainment added that each of the winners "are a credit to our industry." We're wondering if consumers should have their own lil' awards ceremony every year, with open invitations to send in suggestions and critique. Of course, there are other factors to consider than just saving money and we all have to admit that GameStop is a fixture of the industry. Doesn't get much plainer than that.
