Major Australian retailers won't stock Vita at launch

February 16th, 2012, 23:48 Posted By: wraggster

Three of Australia's leading retailers will not stock the PlayStation Vita at launch, Kotaku reports.
Target, Big W and K-Mart are all backing away from Sony's handheld, though Target and Big W confirmed via e-mail that they would consider stocking the product "at a later date."
However, K-Mart stated that it has no plans to sell the Vita at all, dictated by a broader to strategy to move away from expensive items and towards cheaper products.
As a result, the Vita will be chiefly available through specialist stores, and there is concern that consumers looking for a more competitive price from department stores will be frustrated.
However, Sony is resolute that it fits with an underlying strategy to aim the Vita at a core audience.
"For the launch of PlayStation Vita in Australia, with the specific target market being the active gamer, we have chosen to launch the console with a focused retail channel strategy across national specialist game and specialist technology retailers," Sony said in a statement.
"There is a long term vision for our revolutionary new hand-held platform, in the same way we had a long term vision for PS3, and anticipate that in line with this we will broaden channel distribution in the future."
With a week to go until launch, Sony has also dropped the retail price of the 3G Vita by $30 [Australian] to $419.95. The Wi-fi Vita will remain at $349.95.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...vita-at-launch

There are 0 comments - Join In and Discuss Here