14 DAY TRIAL // I've heard of selling strategies but this, I find somewhat strange. NextGeneration posts an article saying that Gamestop thinks Nintendo is deliberately holding back Wii supplies, (to ensure better sales in the future for when people forget about the PS3 maybe). GameStop's quarterly conference call revealed COO's Dan DeMatteo thoughts on the shortage of supply on Nintendo behalf:
"I don't think [Wii supply] going to be an issue going forward, and-it's just my opinion-I think [Nintendo] intentionally dried up their supply because they made their numbers for the year," said DeMatteo in a Q&A session during GameStop's quarterly conference call. "[Nintendo's] new year starts April 1st, and I think we're going to see supply flowing.[...] We were concerned about the dryness [of Wii inventory] in March, but it looks like April is going to be good." DeMatteo also stated that he expects the company to receive an allocation of Wii and DS hardware next week and that he is "quite pleased with those numbers."
It's not the first time retailers are instructed to hold back Nintendo consoles. It happened a few months ago with Toys R Us as well. They kept both Wiis and DS Lites away from the shelves until the right moment to sell came, although it was still holiday season.
The article also presents figures for the Wii's rivals and again, all are in Nintendo's favor, considerably due to DS sales, which DeMatteo calls "phenomenal," in terms of sales. However, Nintendo's approach might very well be connected to PS3 sales after its recent launch in the PAL territories, as CEO R. Richard Fontaine stated: "I think the summary of that was that it was a very good launch falling somewhat short of what [GameStop's Euro managing directors] would call a 'great launch.'"
But no word from Nintendo, on their supply shortage at Gamestop. Looks like we'll be getting our answer in April, through figures again and not company spokespersons.