View source for EB Games

{{mergefrom|EB Games Australia|date=October 2025|discuss=Talk:EB_Games_Australia#Merger_discussion}}
{{Short description|International video game retailer}}
{{About|the retailer|their former convention in Australia|EB Games Expo}}
{{Infobox company
| name = EB Games
| logo = Logo of EB Games.svg
| logo_size = 
| image = EB Chermside.jpg
| image_caption = An EB Games Store located in Westfield Chermside in Brisbane Australia.
| former_name = Electronics Boutique, EBX, EB World
| owner = [[GameStop|GameStop Corp.]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1977}} (as Electronics Boutique)<br />[[Philadelphia]], U.S.
| industry = Video game retailer
| area_served = [[Canada]]<br>[[Australia]]<br>[[New Zealand]]<br>[[Austria]] (formerly)<br>[[Denmark]] (formerly)<br>[[France]] (formerly)<br>[[Finland]] (formerly)<br>[[Germany]] (formerly)<br>[[Ireland]] (formerly)<br>[[Italy]] (formerly)<br>[[Norway]] (formerly)<br>[[Puerto Rico]] (formerly)<br>[[Spain]] (formerly)<br>[[Sweden]] (formerly)<br>[[United Kingdom]] (formerly)<br>[[United States]] (formerly)
| products = Video games, game consoles
}}

'''EB Games''' (previously known as '''Electronics Boutique''') is an international [[video game]] retailer trading in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-18 |title=EB Games Activates Licensing Partnership with Xbox Consumer Gaming Products Across Australia, New Zealand |url=https://licensinginternational.org/news/eb-games-activates-licensing-partnership-with-xbox-consumer-gaming-products-across-australia-new-zealand/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Licensing International |language=en-US}}</ref>

Originally established as American company in 1977 by [[James Kim (American businessman)|James Kim]] in [[Philadelphia]], Electronics Boutique sold calculators, radios and digital watches before pivoting towards sales of computers and software products. In the mid-1990s, Electronics Boutique became a video game retailer, later expanding internationally across Canada, Europe and Australia. In 2002, it was renamed from Electronics Boutique to EB Games, with some stores also trading as '''EBX''' and '''EB World'''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=I. P. |date=2020-02-19 |title=James and Agnes Kim Foundation |url=https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/pennsylvania-grants/james-and-agnes-kim-foundation |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=www.insidephilanthropy.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In October 2005, EB Games accepted a takeover deal from rival [[GameStop|GameStop Corp.]] for $1.44 billion, who phased out the EB name in the United States, renaming all American outlets to GameStop. The EB name still survives in Canada, Australia and New Zealand due to local brand recognition, with the name used under franchise agreements from GameStop Corp.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameStop buying EB Games |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestop-buying-eb-games/1100-6122418/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==
Originally, the operation mainly sold calculators and digital watches. Between 1977 and the mid-1990s, the company expanded to (and later stopped) selling computers, software, and other related items (according to the EB Games employee handbook). Electronics Boutique also operated stores under the name '''Games 'n Gadgets'''. The Games 'n Gadgets stores were more centered on entertainment and gaming, rather than business and productivity. In the mid-1990s, the company's focus switched to TV-based video games and consoles, though many stores still maintain PC game sections.

On April 3, 2000, Electronics Boutique made an offer to purchase rival business [[FuncoLand]] for $110 million, paying $17.50 in cash for each of parent company Funco's shares. CEO Joseph Firestone remarked that his company had been "stalking" FuncoLand for two years, and waited until the stock price was right.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=April 4, 2000 |title=Funco is sold to rival retailer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60225654/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=31}}</ref><ref name="Stalking">{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=April 4, 2000 |title=Electronics Boutique had been 'stalking' Funco for 2 years |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60226028/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=38}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Woodall |first=Martha |date=April 4, 2000 |title=W. Chester firm is in the game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60227579/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=35 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317195046/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60227579/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Woodall |first=Martha |date=April 4, 2000 |title=$110 million deal to unite game firms |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60227759/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=46}}</ref> On April 5, Funco received an unsolicited $135 million buyout offer from [[Barnes & Noble]] subsidiary Babbage's Etc., who offered to pay in either cash or a combination of cash and Barnes & Noble stock.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=April 7, 2000 |title=Funco receives higher offer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60228477/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=45}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=April 7, 2000 |title=Two offers are 'a great situation' for stockholders |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60228607/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=46}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Woodall |first=Martha |date=April 7, 2000 |title=Game-seller gets a higher bid |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60229752/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=37 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317193329/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60229752/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Woodall |first=Martha |date=April 7, 2000 |title=$135 million is offered for Funco |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60229882/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=46 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317195036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60229882/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 12, Funco gave Electronics Boutique five days to raise its offer before they would accept Barnes & Noble's offer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Phelps |first=David |date=April 14, 2000 |title=Funco receives higher offer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60233376/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=56}}</ref> In response, Electronics Boutique matched Barnes & Noble's offer.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 21, 2000 |title=Electronics Boutique ups bid for Funco |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60235948/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=43 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317193328/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60235948/star-tribune/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=April 21, 2000 |title=Merger would create largest retailer of electronic games |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60235977/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=44}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fernandez |first=Bob |date=April 21, 2000 |title=Electronics Boutique matches competing bid for game retailer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60236161/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=33}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fernandez |first=Bob |date=April 21, 2000 |title=West Chester firm raises its bid for a games retailer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60236328/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=34}}</ref> On April 26, Barnes & Noble raised its bid to $161.5 million, or $24.75 a share, leaving Electronics Boutique with another five days to respond to the bid.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=April 27, 2000 |title=Barnes & Noble raises bid, again, for Funco Inc. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60237454/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=45}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=April 27, 2000 |title=CEO could reap $35.2 million if Barnes & Noble deal prevails |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60237745/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=46}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Schlisserman |first=Courtney |date=April 27, 2000 |title=Barnes & Noble increases its offer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60237983/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=31}}</ref> On May 3, Electronics Boutique announced the withdrawal of its bid,<ref name="Moore2000">{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=May 3, 2000 |title=Funco suitor drops chase |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60241217/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=39}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=May 3, 2000 |title=Shareholder suit filed Tuesday is now left in uncertain status |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60241354/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=41}}</ref> and Funco accepted Barnes & Noble's buyout the following day. Electronic Boutique's original definitive agreement with Funco included a breakup fee of $3.5 million, the cost of which was covered by Barnes & Noble.<ref>{{cite news |date=May 5, 2000 |title=Funco accepts buyout by Barnes & Noble |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60241992/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Philadelphia]] |page=48 |archive-date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317195045/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60241992/the-philadelphia-inquirer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moore |first=Janet |date=May 6, 2000 |title=Fate of Funco's local operations unclear |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60242286/star-tribune/ |work=[[Star Tribune]] |via=Newspapers.com |location=[[Minneapolis]] |page=46}}</ref>

In May 2000, in order to unify their company, Electronics Boutique changed the vast majority of its current EB and EB Gameworld stores to the name EB Games. They also announced that they would be either closing or selling all of their EB Kids and Brandywine Sports Collectible Stores.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.allbusiness.com/company-activities-management/financial/9181511-1.html |title=EB changes name of game: rebranding a la GameStop. |access-date=2009-03-06 |archive-date=2009-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429173701/http://www.allbusiness.com/company-activities-management/financial/9181511-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

For years EB Games' primary distribution center was in [[Louisville, Kentucky]], with two smaller distribution centers and a World Headquarters all located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. With video games becoming increasingly popular, EB Games decided it was time for a new distribution center. In October 2004, EB Games opened its doors to its new {{convert|314000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} distribution center in [[Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania|Sadsbury Township]], Pennsylvania. The world headquarter office in West Chester remained open, however anyone working at the old distribution centers were transferred to the new location.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sadsburyville.com/2004%20Feb%208_sadsbury_warehouse_planned.htm |title=Video game retailer Electronics Boutique expects to break ground on a new 315,000-square-foot distribution center this spring. |access-date=2012-09-30 |archive-date=2021-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411131322/http://sadsburyville.com/2004%20Feb%208_sadsbury_warehouse_planned.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== 2005 GameStop acquisition ===
On Thursday, October 6, 2005, shareholders from EB Games and GameStop agreed to a $1.44 billion takeover deal.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1057746/000110465905047579/a05-17299_1ex99d1.htm | title=GameStop and Electronics Boutique Stockholders Approve Merger | website=US Securities and Exchange Commission | date=October 6, 2005 | access-date=June 20, 2016 | archive-date=October 20, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020092948/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1057746/000110465905047579/a05-17299_1ex99d1.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The deal offered $38.15<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.gamestop.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=130125&p=irol-SECText&TEXT=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTM0ODYyMDcmRFNFUT0wJlNFUT0wJlNRREVTQz1TRUNUSU9OX0VOVElSRSZzdWJzaWQ9NTc%3d | title=SEC Filings S-4 - Merger Agreement, GameStop Corp. and Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. | date=May 23, 2005 | website=GameStop | access-date=June 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507002252/http://news.gamestop.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=130125&p=irol-SECText&TEXT=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTM0ODYyMDcmRFNFUT0wJlNFUT0wJlNRREVTQz1TRUNUSU9OX0VOVElSRSZzdWJzaWQ9NTc%3d | archive-date=May 7, 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref> in cash as well as approximately ¾ of a share of GameStop stock for every 1 share of EB Games stock. This offer was a 34.2% premium on the $41.12 per share closing price of EB Games stock. GameStop decided to close EB Games's newly constructed distribution center in Sadsbury, PA, their call center in [[Las Vegas|Las Vegas, NV]], and their International Headquarters in West Chester, PA, eliminating more than 800 jobs. Only 65 former EB Games employees were offered jobs at GameStop's headquarters in Grapevine, TX.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dailylocal.com/articles/2005/10/07/business/15345782.txt |title=Hundreds of EB jobs will be cut |access-date=2009-03-06 |archive-date=2012-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414234229/http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2005/10/07/business/15345782.txt |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== List of current operations ==
[[File:EBGamesHillcrest.JPG|thumb|An EB Games store (later GameStop) at [[Hillcrest Mall]] in February 2015]]

=== Canada ===
EB began its international expansion with the opening of three stores in [[Toronto, Ontario]], Canada in 1993. The Canadian division was the largest of the international divisions with over 300 stores as of May 2008. <sup>{{Citation needed|date=September 2025}}</sup>

On July 28, 2021, EB Games announced that its Canadian operations would be rebranded under the GameStop name, with the rebranding expected to be completed by the end of 2021. Stores began to be converted to GameStop signage by September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EB Games to rebrand as GameStop in Canada |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-07-29-eb-games-to-rebrand-as-gamestop-in-canada |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111040317/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-07-29-eb-games-to-rebrand-as-gamestop-in-canada |archive-date=2021-11-11 |access-date=2021-11-11 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=29 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-10 |title=Canadian EB Games and EBX Locations Start Rebranding to GameStop with New Store Signage |url=https://retail-insider.com/bulletin/2021/09/canadian-eb-games-and-ebx-locations-start-rebranding-to-gamestop-with-new-store-signage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111040318/https://retail-insider.com/bulletin/2021/09/canadian-eb-games-and-ebx-locations-start-rebranding-to-gamestop-with-new-store-signage/ |archive-date=2021-11-11 |access-date=2021-11-11 |website=Retail Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

On May 5, 2025, GameStop Canada announced their assets had been sold to Canadian businessman Stephan Tétrault and the brand would be reverting to the EB Games name in the near future.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shankar |first=Bradly |date=2025-05-05 |title=EB Games to return after GameStop Canada acquisition |url=https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/05/05/eb-games-to-return-after-gamestop-canada-acquisition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505211036/https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/05/05/eb-games-to-return-after-gamestop-canada-acquisition/ |archive-date=2025-05-05 |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=MobileSyrup |language=en}}</ref>

=== Australia and New Zealand ===
In 1997, Electronics Boutique entered the Australian market, opening its first store in the [[Westfield Miranda]] in [[New South Wales]]; eventually becoming the first national video games retailer in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Dominic |date=2021-02-05 |title='Mario cuts through everything': How EB Games survived retail's great battle |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/mario-cuts-through-everything-how-eb-games-survived-retail-s-great-battle-20210204-p56zge.html |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> In 2000, Electronics Boutique entered New Zealand, opening its first store in Auckland.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://content.ebgames.com.au/webmail/images/campaign/20220409/25-Year-eDM---Press-start_06.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731132940/https://content.ebgames.com.au/webmail/images/campaign/20220409/25-Year-eDM---Press-start_06.jpg |archive-date=2022-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=content.ebgames.com.au}}</ref>

Since 2007, EB Games Australia has maintained a charity partnership with the [[Starlight Children's Foundation]]. Every year, EB Games runs a "Starlight Week" fund-raising endeavours across EB Games and Zing Pop Culture stores. In 2021, Starlight Week raised over $850,000 for the Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Partners - EB Games |url=https://www.starlight.org.au/about-us/our-stories/partner-eb-games |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=www.starlight.org.au |publisher=Starlight Children's Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Starlight Week 2021 was AMAZING! |url=https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=290881339122768 |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Facebook - EB Games Australia |publisher=EB Games Australia}}</ref>

In 2008, GameStop announced it had acquired The Gamesman (not to be confused with the Australian retailer [[The Gamesmen]]) which was at the time New Zealand's largest independent gaming specialist with eight stores. The acquisition added eight stores and expanded EB Games' presence in New Zealand to a total of 38 stores, bringing the total store count to 308 in Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |title=GameStop Reaches Agreement to Acquire New Zealand's Gamesman Video Game Chain |url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-reaches-agreement-acquire-new-zealands-gamesman-video |access-date=7 September 2021 |website=GameStop Investor Relations |publisher=GameStop}}</ref>

In May 2011, EB Games announced the launch of the [[EB Games Expo]], a [[video game]] [[trade fair]] / [[Convention (meeting)|convention]] held annually in [[Australia]]. More commonly known as EB Expo or EBX, the inaugural convention was held at the [[Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre]] from 15 to 16 October of the same year. The Expo is used by video game developers to show off their upcoming games and game-related hardware. Unlike [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] at the time, EB Expo allowed members of the general public to attend.<ref>{{cite web |title=EB Expo |url=http://www.ebexpo.com.au/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527155614/http://www.ebexpo.com.au/ |archive-date=27 May 2011 |access-date=6 September 2021 |website=EB Expo 2011 |publisher=EB Games Australia}}</ref>
[[File:Ebworld_logo_bck.svg|thumb|Logo for EB World]]
In October 2011, EB Games launched their EB World loyalty program. At launch the program offered four reward levels with customers able to progress though the reward levels by earning points called "carrots" being when shopping at EB Games stores (and later included Zing Pop Culture stores).<ref name=":0">{{cite web |year=2011 |title=What Is EB World, And Why Are They Giving Me Carrots? |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/10/what-is-eb-world-and-why-do-they-keep-giving-me-carrots/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013231501/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/10/what-is-eb-world-and-why-do-they-keep-giving-me-carrots |archive-date=13 October 2011 |accessdate=5 May 2018 |publisher=Kotaku}}</ref>

In May 2015, four former EB Games employees accused an EB Games district manager of [[workplace bullying]], sexual harassment, discrimination, racial hatred, intimidation, and unpaid worked hours. The incidents were alleged to have occurred in the Figtree and Dapto stores. The former employees filed complaints with [[WorkCover Authority of New South Wales]] and the [[Australian Human Rights Commission]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Mardon |first=Cydonee |date=19 May 2015 |title=Illawarra store manager's behaviour 'absolutely appalling' |url=https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/3090135/illawarra-store-managers-behaviour-absolutely-appalling/ |accessdate=13 August 2015 |work=Illawarra Mercury}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hollingworth |first=David |date=20 July 2015 |title=An inside look at EB Games work practices |url=http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/406805,an-inside-look-at-eb-games-work-practices.aspx |accessdate=13 August 2015 |work=PC Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Serrels |first=Mark |date=20 July 2015 |title=Inside EB Games: When The Dream Job Becomes A Nightmare |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/07/inside-eb-games-when-the-dream-job-becomes-a-nightmare/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720104025/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/07/inside-eb-games-when-the-dream-job-becomes-a-nightmare/ |archive-date=20 July 2015 |accessdate=13 August 2015 |work=Kotaku AU}}</ref>
[[File:EB_Chermside.jpg|thumb|200x200px|An EB Games outlet located in [[Westfield Chermside]], [[Brisbane]], [[Australia]] in 2022]]
In January 2020, EB Games reported it would close 19 unprofitable stores by the end of the month.<ref name="kotaku.com.au">{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Alex |date=8 January 2020 |title=EB Games Are Shutting Stores Across Australia [Update] |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/01/eb-games-stores-shutting-down-australia/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109061711/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/01/eb-games-stores-shutting-down-australia/ |archive-date=9 January 2020 |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Kotaku Australia}}</ref><ref name="smartcompany.com.au">{{cite web |last1=Elmas |first1=Matthew |date=10 January 2020 |title=EB Games to shutter 19 stores as digital competition bites |url=https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/retail/eb-games-stores-shutting/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=SmartCompany}}</ref>

In February 2021, [[The Sydney Morning Herald]] published an article about EB Games, notifying its divergence into selling pop culture merchandise and selling pre-owned games had been critical to its success.<ref name="kotaku.com.au" /> In the same month, the EB Games reported commercial success, and that it would seek to open new stores.<ref name="smh.com.au">{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Dominic |date=5 February 2021 |title='Mario cuts through everything': How EB Games survived retail's great battle |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/mario-cuts-through-everything-how-eb-games-survived-retail-s-great-battle-20210204-p56zge.html |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

==== Zing Pop Culture ====
In July 2014, EB Games Australia opened '''Zing Pop Culture''' (stylised as '''ZiNG Pop Culture''') an Australian pop culture merchandise retailer. The first ZiNG Pop Culture store was located at the [[Indooroopilly Shopping Centre]] in [[Indooroopilly, Queensland]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently asked questions - ZiNG Pop Culture |url=https://zingpopculture.com.au/customer-service#7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822234302/https://zingpopculture.com.au/customer-service#7 |archive-date=22 August 2016 |access-date=22 August 2016 |website=zingpopculture.com.au}}</ref>
[[File:EB_Carindale.jpg|thumb|300x300px|An EB Games and ZiNG Pop Culture 'Hybrid' store located in [[Westfield Carindale]], [[Brisbane]], [[Australia]] in 2020]]
EB Games launched a spin-off of Zing Pop Culture, called Zing Marketplace, in September 2021. Zing Marketplace was an Australian [[e-commerce]] retro gaming and pop culture marketplace which facilitated [[Consumer to consumer|consumer-to-consumer]] sales through its website.<ref name="ZingMarketplace">{{Cite web |title=Zing Marketplace {{!}} Zing Marketplace terms and conditions |url=https://www.zingmarketplace.com/promo/terms-and-conditions |access-date=6 September 2021 |website=zingmarketplace.com |language=en}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Leah |date=8 September 2021 |title=EB Games Launches Zing Marketplace, AKA Nerdy Gumtree |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/09/zing-marketplace-eb-games-launch/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908101508/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/09/zing-marketplace-eb-games-launch/ |archive-date=8 September 2021 |access-date=8 September 2021 |website=Kotaku |publisher=Pedestrian Group}}</ref> Zing Marketplace was discontinued by EB Games on 22 March 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verbrugge |first1=Kieron |date=21 March 2022 |title=The EB Games Online Zing Marketplace Is Closing Down |url=https://press-start.com.au/news/2022/03/21/the-eb-games-online-zing-marketplace-is-closing-down/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |website=Press Start}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vuckovic |first1=Daniel |date=21 March 2022 |title=EB Games looks to be pulling the plug on Zing Marketplace |url=https://www.vooks.net/eb-games-looks-to-be-pulling-the-plug-on-zing-marketplace/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |website=Vooks}}</ref>

As of 29 January 2022, Zing operates 375 stores in Australia and 41 stores in New Zealand.

== List of defunct international operations ==

=== Mainland Europe ===
EB Games operated in Spain, Germany, France, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway and Sweden.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=http://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/g/NYSE_GME_2005.pdf}}</ref> On May 23, 2005, EB Games announced a definitive agreement to acquire the Spanish retailer Jump, based in [[Valencia]]. Jump sold PCs and other consumer electronics. EB Games planned to begin introducing video game hardware and software into Jump's 141 stores several months after the acquisition. The acquisition provided EB Games entry into the Spanish marketplace and continued EB Games' aggressive international expansion. 

All of the EB Games stores in Mainland Europe were later either rebranded to GameStop, or divested of.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Chris |title=GameStop is selling its Canadian and French operations: 'Wokeness and DEI included at no additional cost' |url=https://fortune.com/2025/02/19/gamestop-selling-canadian-french-operations-stores-ryan-cohen-wokeness-dei/ |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref>

=== Puerto Rico ===
By 2001, EB Games had opened stores in Puerto Rico.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-27 |title=EB Games History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones - Zippia |url=https://www.zippia.com/eb-games-careers-580501/history/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=www.zippia.com |language=en-US}}</ref> These stores were later rebranded as GameStop, and closed in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameStop Closing All Puerto Rico Stores Very Soon |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestop-closing-all-puerto-rico-stores-very-soon/1100-6433702/ |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== United Kingdom and Ireland ===
In October 1995, Electronics Boutique expanded into the UK by purchasing a 25% stake in the financially troubled British game retailer, The Rhino Group, becoming Electronics Boutique Limited. The chain’s trading name was changed from [[Future Zone (retailer)|Future Zone]] to Electronics Boutique to reflect the new ownership.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210926081120/https://www.jingleways.com/graphics-card/cheapest-graphics-cards/ Good at Games]  The Independent, 13 June 2009</ref> John Steinbrecher, Electronics Boutique's VP of Stores in the US and Canada, was seconded to the UK to manage the chain. Through store remodels, adjustments to the product mix, and the introduction of used video games, the chain’s finances were successfully restored.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Barrie |first1=By Chris |last2=Correspondent |first2=Media Business |date=1999-04-13 |title=Software retailer raises its Game with takeover |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/1999/apr/13/5 |access-date=2025-09-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In November 1999, Electronics Boutique Limited purchased rival retailer [[Game (retailer)|Game]] for £99 million. Game had 86 stores at the time of the takeover, and the Game brand would be retained, trading alongside the Electronics Boutique name.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editor-in-Chief |first=Tom Bramwell Former |date=2002-01-08 |title=No more Electronics Boutique |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-31589 |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2001, Electronics Boutique Limited went on to purchase the [[BarrysWorld]] online gaming service,<ref>{{cite web |last=Loney |first=Matt |date=27 February 2001 |title=Electronic Boutique buys BarrysWorld |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,2084698,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511234136/http://news.zdnet.co.uk/emergingtech/0,1000000183,2084698,00.htm |archive-date=11 May 2008 |access-date=21 March 2012 |publisher=News.zdnet.co.uk}}</ref> the French retailer ''ScoreGames'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cullen |first=Drew |date=October 8, 2001 |title=EB buys its way into France |url=https://www.theregister.com/2001/10/08/eb_buys_its_way_into/ |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=The Register}}</ref> and the Spanish retailer ''Centro Mail''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gameplay |url=http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/gameplay.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215082452/http://www.ukbusinesspark.co.uk/gameplay.htm |archive-date=15 February 2012 |access-date=21 March 2012 |publisher=UK Business Park}}</ref>

In 2002, Electronics Boutique Limited became The Game Group, with the [[Game (retailer)|Game]] brand replacing the Electronics Boutique name at all stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland, making the new company the largest video game retailer in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editor-in-Chief |first=Tom Bramwell Former |date=2002-01-08 |title=No more Electronics Boutique |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-31589 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> Electronics Boutique USA retained a 24% ownership stake in The Game Group for a period and, under the merger agreement, collected substantial management fees until 2004. That year, The Game Group and Electronics Boutique USA agreed to sever the remainder of their ties through a one-time settlement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE GAME GROUP PLC overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00875835 |access-date=2025-10-28 |website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Philadelphia|Pennsylvania|Companies|Video games}}
* [[GameStop]]
* [[EB Games Expo]]
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.ebgames.com/}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981212024641/http://www.electronicsboutique.com/ |date=December 12, 1998 |title=Electronics Boutique }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970530234241/http://www.ebworld.com/ |date=May 30, 1997 |title=EB World }}

[[Category:Video game retailers of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Chester County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1977]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1977]]
[[Category:GameStop]]
[[Category:1977 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:2005 mergers and acquisitions]]