PLAY N TRADE: Recruits Multi-Unit Video Game Franchise Owners

There have been many contentions online that the franchise graveyard contains the dreams – and financial wellbeing, savings, credit scores, etc. – of many a failed Play N Trade franchise owner.  For that reason, many might find the name of the Play N Trade franchise contact (Miles Coffin) ironic, if not appropos.

When writer Sean Kelly posted the question IS PLAY N TRADE A GREAT FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY? on the blog formerly known as FranchisePick, the 130 responses were predominantly negative.  More than 300 comments, mostly negative, have been posted on this site.  Allegations of fraud, franchise disclosure violations and a hopelessly flawed business model have been posted on numerous sites, especially when the California Department of Corporations suspended Play N Trade’s registration in its state ( see PLAY N TRADE Franchise Registration Revoked)

However, in 2010 Play N Trade has mounted an aggressive franchise PR push, with numerous press releases citing increased same-store sales growth and claims that Play N Trade is “one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide across all industries.”

Here’s the press release issued by Mr. Coffin today:

“Play N Trade to Attend and Sponsor 2010 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

“San Clemente, CA, March 23, 2010 –(PR.com)– Play N Trade Franchise, INC, the fastest growing video game franchise worldwide, is excited to announce that not only will it be attending the 2010 Multi-Unit Franchising Conference but will also be a sponsor for the event.
From March 24th-26th, one of the only conferences in the nation focused exclusively on multi-unit franchising will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

“On Thursday, March 25th Play N Trade President and CEO, Larry Plotnick and Vice President of Franchise Development, Charles Franklin will be in attendance to discuss owning a Play N Trade franchise and the resources Play N Trade provides every franchisee to succeed.

“’Play N Trade defines all that is exciting and revolutionary in today’s gaming culture and is the only company operating in this space that has successfully positioned itself as ‘the Ultimate Gaming Store’,’ says Franklin. ‘The store design, wide selection of new and used games, accessories and consoles, in-store tournaments and ‘Try-Before-You-Buy’ policy create a community atmosphere that makes Play N Trade the preferred destination for gamer participation, discussion and competition.”’Play N Trade Area Developer and Franchisee, Ken Leese will also be on hand as a panelist to discuss his former success as a massive multi-unit operator with Jackson Hewitt and his current successes with and the future potential of Play N Trade. Mr. Leese will be presenting primarily on the evaluation and selection of new brands for portfolio expansion.

“Prospective franchisees who are serious about growth and interested in new concepts, opportunities and unique service solutions can find Play N Trade at booth #5 to learn what makes it such an exciting franchise opportunity.

“About Play N Trade
”Play N Trade is the largest and fastest-growing video game franchise worldwide. It is also one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide across all industries. The company provides exceptional training, support and marketing systems to its store owners, who in turn provide an outstanding customer experience for their shoppers. Play N Trade customers can try any video game before they buy”

“Play N Trade Franchise, Inc.  Miles Coffin  888.PNT.GAME Miles.Coffin@playntrade.com playntradevideogamefranchise.com

Also read:

PLAY N TRADE: Video Game Franchise Played Out?

PLAY N TRADE: MI Bankruptcy Auction

PLAY N TRADE Forum Gets Spammed N Slammed
PLAY N TRADE’s Franchise Registration Suspended (Michael Webster’s blog)

PLAY N TRADE: Execs Respond to Blog Critics

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  IS PLAY N TRADE A GREAT FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY?  WHY OR WHY NOT?