19 votes

ThinkGeek is shutting down

6 comments

  1. [2]
    Octofox
    Link
    Wow, thats a name I haven't heard in a while. Wonder if they weren't doing well. Another thing I have noticed is all the video game stores have been transforming in to collectable stores selling...

    Wow, thats a name I haven't heard in a while. Wonder if they weren't doing well. Another thing I have noticed is all the video game stores have been transforming in to collectable stores selling random junk similar to what think geek sold.

    12 votes
    1. SourceContribute
      Link Parent
      Yep, we're in the over-production phase of capitalism so everything is turning into a store which means there's a million competitors hawking random junk and millions more affiliate marketers and...

      Yep, we're in the over-production phase of capitalism so everything is turning into a store which means there's a million competitors hawking random junk and millions more affiliate marketers and drop-shippers. ThinkGeek would only stand a chance if they had people who were particularly good at creating new junk that appealed to their market or bought out the collectable stores in some way.

      The falling rate of profit problem: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tendency_of_the_rate_of_profit_to_fall

      4 votes
  2. [2]
    Cosmos
    Link
    I find it very interesting they are shutting the online stores, while keeping the brick and mortars. That is the complete opposite of what has been happening to most retailers.

    I find it very interesting they are shutting the online stores, while keeping the brick and mortars. That is the complete opposite of what has been happening to most retailers.

    3 votes
    1. spit-evil-olive-tips
      Link Parent
      I think it makes perfect sense for the market ThinkGeek is in. Geeks who want to buy things for themselves will shop around online, and buy at a different store if they find a better product or a...

      I think it makes perfect sense for the market ThinkGeek is in.

      Geeks who want to buy things for themselves will shop around online, and buy at a different store if they find a better product or a cheaper price. That much competition makes profits razor-thin, so it's really tough to build a sustainable business around that.

      ThinkGeek's real remaining market is people who want to buy Christmas or birthday gifts for someone they consider a geek. Grandparent goes to the mall, says their grandkid is into "Mine Craft", gets a gift recommendation, and doesn't have enough information to know how overpriced the thing they're buying really is.

      7 votes
  3. [2]
    Amarok
    Link
    It seems like there will still be a ThinkGeek section on GameStop's site.

    It seems like there will still be a ThinkGeek section on GameStop's site.

    2 votes
    1. Thrabalen
      Link Parent
      A "curated" list. Like the main character in Johnny Got His Gun was "curated."

      A "curated" list. Like the main character in Johnny Got His Gun was "curated."

      2 votes