A PLAY N TRADE GAMING CRAZE

A Gaming Craze
By Debra Mayeux The Daily Times
Article Launched: 12/24/2006 04:37:01 PM MST

FARMINGTON, NM — A Farmington doctor spends his weekends at the video game store. Not because he is gamer, but because he owns the newly opened Play N Trade, 4917 E. Main St., Suite B, Farmington, NM.

Daniel Chang, who brings new gamers into the world as an obstetrician, was searching for an investment opportunity when he discovered Play N Trade, a game store franchise based in Newport Beach, Calif.

The company recently was "ranked #49 in the Top New Franchises of 2007'" by Entrepreneur Magazine, according to a press release from Play N Trade.

Trent Barber, a representative of the franchise, said it is one of the fastest growing franchises in the country with 120 rights sold as of Dec. 21. Chang made the investment and opened his doors just before the Christmas gaming craze began. He wanted to open in time for the November releases of Sony's Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. Both systems are considered hot gift items, making them extremely difficult to find.

"The video game industry is exploding," Chang said.

The gaming industry started in the 1980s, when computer game systems were introduced into arcades. They quickly took the place of pinball machines, as players enjoyed feeding quarters into a slot to battle space invaders, play ping-pong on screen and eat colorful dots while being chased by ghosts as Pac-Man.

In the late 80s Atari introduced the home-based gaming system, calling it a console. The system could be hooked up to a television and two players used joy sticks to battle their way through adventures. It took a little more than 20 years for the business of gaming to develop into a multi-billion dollar industry with faster, high-tech systems bordering on virtual reality.

And the stories got better as the technology increased.

"Video games are interactive storytelling. They are dependent on the actions of the player," said James Brittain, manager of Play N Trade.

Brittain moved from California to Farmington to manage the new store. He came with an art education and a background in gaming — something Chang knew was a must after researching the local video game store offerings.

Chang said he researched by going to "big box stores" and talking with the sales staff about their products. What he found were people who didn't understand the technology or didn't want to assist him. With this information, he decided to find employees with knowledge of the industry.
He brought on Brittain, a former video game designer and other employees, like Ari Davalos, who live for gaming.

"The only thing that would make me happier than working here is making games," Davalos said, adding he plays video games an average of eight hours a day when he is not working.
Davalos is quick to offer advice on systems and games that are age-appropriate for the buyer.
Chang said that is what Play N Trade is all about — offering a product and a knowledgeable sales staff. He also has a desire to market to women.

With a 9-year-old daughter, Chang said he knows that girls and women like video games.

"We'd like to be geared toward women too," he said, adding the store will eventually increase its product line to include "gamer gear" and action figures.

"Gamer gear" makes up items like storage cases for games, items to decorate game systems and t-shirts with video game icons. Action figures would include those characters made famous by video games.

"We have the flexibility to order what we want," Chang said, adding there also is flexibility with the amount of money or store credit offered to people trading in games or systems.

"If somebody brings in a stack of games, we might up (the credit) 10 percent," Brittain said, adding all of the used games sold at the store are guaranteed.

In addition to the store's offerings, Play N Trade offers an interactive Web site with video game news and message boards.

"It offers a gaming culture that people can be a part of," Barber said.

Play N Trade is open Monday through Sunday in its location next to Cold Stone Creamery. For more information, call (505) 217-2150 or go online to www.pntgame.com.

Debra Mayeux: dmayeux@daily-times.com

SOUTHERN ARIZONA SEES NEWEST PLAY N TRADE FRANCHISEE

Southern Arizona sees newest Play N Trade Franchisee

Jerry Abreu in Tuscon, AZ commits to develop a Play N Trade store.

11/21/2006 - Tucson, AZ: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. is pleased to welcome Jerry Abreu aboard. After running a successful credit reporting business for 14 years, Jerry came to the conclusion that it was time to move into another business opportunity. Although he built the business, the industry had changed and the business was “tedious and boring.” In fact, he points out that he had become a “slave to his business.” He was ready to do something else that, as he puts it, “was fun and exiting.”

Jerry had been around small business ownership as his parents owned a restaurant, so owning another business made sense. He had researched a variety of franchises before settling on Play N Trade. His experience with his family’s restaurant, however, eliminated food franchises. Owning a restaurant “was not an option,” he says. “I know a lot about owning a restaurant and how hard it is—with food preparation, long hours and so forth. I did not want to become a slave to my business again,” he further adds.

Having just returned from Play N Trade BASICS training (initial training for all franchisees), coupled with his business experience, Jerry expresses confidence to get started. “The training was informative. They cover a lot of information, and I plan on attending Intermediate Training in January,” he says. Play N Trade offers training for new franchisees and for franchisees that have already opened their stores.

Jerry plans to be hands-on, but also to hire a manager. His intention is to open in a premiere mall in Tucson, and is currently negotiating the lease. Mall hours are longer, so he sees the need to have a manager.

Although not a gamer himself, Jerry sees interacting with the “gamers” and the consumers who purchase video games much more exciting than his other business, which had him mainly interacting with other corporate officers.

Jerry is starting out with a single unit, but plans to open more. He has his sights on a mall in Tucson and plans to open in March 2007.

EXPERIENCED SMALL BUSINESS OWNER SIGNS ON WITH PLAY N TRADE IN AZ!

Experienced small business owner Edmundo Osorio signs on with Play N Trade

Play N Trade welcomes Edmundo Osorio to the Arizona market, which is currently one of the fastest growing states for new stores

10/30/2006 - Glendale, AZ: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. welcomes Edmundo Osorio, who brings with him a lot of small business experience to Play N Trade’s growing number of franchisees in the Valley of the Sun. After selling his convenience store, Edmundo moved from California to start something new in Arizona. He wasn’t looking for a video game store; in fact, he doesn’t even play video games, and approaches this opportunity as a “business venture.”

Approaching Play N Trade from a business perspective, Edmundo points out that “The concept and products are unique” and further adds that the “need for competition in this market is important.” These facets as well as the fact that the video game industry keeps growing lead him to become a Play N Trade franchisee.

Another element Edmundo saw in Play N Trade is its growth potential. He sees the bigger picture and “wants to be part of something that is going to be huge. I wanted to be involved from the ground up,” he goes on to further say. “The growth potential is amazing,” and Edmundo plans to benefit and contribute to Play N Trade’s growth in the Valley and nation-wide.

Currently, Edmundo is evaluating sites in Glendale and looks to open even more stores in the future. He goal is to open his first store, if everything goals well, sometime in December.

SUN DEVILS WILL SOON EXPERIENCE PLAY N TRADE...

Sun Devils Will Soon Experience Play N Trade...

Val Zolotnik, and his wife Jackie Cerchero, commit to develop 5 Play N Trade stores in the Tempe, AZ area.

10/12/2006 - Tempe, Arizona: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. is pleased to announce that Val Zolotnik, a technology consultant, has joined the Play N Trade family and looks to capitalize on the business model by putting his flagship store near Arizona State University.

“As a gamer myself, I know college students play video games frequently and the tournaments we’ll have will create a fun and create a competitive store atmosphere,” Val says.

Originally from New York, Val moved to Arizona 6 months ago. He was looking for a business for several months before he discovered Play N Trade. After thorough due diligence, talking with existing Play N Trade store owners, and attending a Discovery Day, Val knew he had finally found what he had been looking for in a franchise opportunity.

“I really like the technology side of things,” he explains. “As someone who has a great deal of experience in that area, I was excited to see that Play N Trade has developed its own proprietary point of sale system, people counter, tournament management software, and digital signage. As a multiple unit operator, this technology will make it much easier to manage several stores and give me the ability to scale my organization”.

Furthermore, Val says that he likes “the look and feel” of the company and believes he has found the right opportunity. Val purchased the rights to open 5 stores and looks to open his first store around ASU in Tempe, AZ. He wants the store open “ASAP”; Val is working hard to make it happen.

To learn more about owning a Play N Trade store in Arizona visit www.playntrade.com or call 602-317-4543.

THE GRAND CANYON STATE WELCOMES NEWEST PLAY N TRADE FRANCHISEE!

The Grand Canyon State Welcomes Newest Play N Trade Franchisee

Experienced entrepreneur David Youkhana joins the Play N Trade team in Glendale, AZ.

9/25/2006 - Glendale, AZ: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. welcomes experienced entrepreneur, David Youkhana to the team. David is very eager to open his first Play N Trade store. Having owned several Subways in the Chicago area, David knows a tremendous franchise opportunity when he encounters one. Indeed, David has owned many small business in the past, including a video rental and a Dollar Store. Ultimately, David sold his Subway stores and other businesses to move to Arizona. In Arizona, he continued with his entrepreneurial spirit by become a real estate and mortgage broker.

David plans to continue as a broker and have his son, George run the Play N Trade store for him. Indeed, David has plans to have his son run multiple units for him. They have both attended the next training in Orange County, CA.

“What I like most about Play N Trade is that it’s a new franchise,” David says. “Out of all of the many franchises out there, this one is really unique. The only competitor is GameStop, which is a massive corporation. So I like my chances,” David adds.

David furthermore points out that the video game market is “booming.” He also notes that “everyone plays video games and I want to be part of that market.”

His ultimate goal is expand into multiple units quickly. He has his sights set on locking up the Phoenix market. “This is a simple business that is easy to expand,” he asserts with confidence. Based on his background, he speaks from experience.

He wants to open his first store as soon as possible and is already searching for a location. David’s goal is to be open by the first of the year.

To learn more about owning a Play N Trade Franchise visit www.playntrade.com or call 877-741-7917.

PLAY N TRADE LIGHTS FIRE IN THE LONE STAR STATE!

Play N Trade extends its family to El Paso, Texas and beyond

Carlo Dominguez and Carlos Crucy commit to open 5 stores in El Paso, TX.

9/20/2006 - El Paso, TX: Carlo Domiguez has been a small business owner for over 10 years. He understands unique, profitable and excellent small business opportunities when he sees them.

Carlo has the huge potential for PNT. As he says, “there is no competition, and it’s a unique concept. It seems like everything has been invented-restaurants, wireless, there’s hundreds of competitors in every field you look at. PNT is something new with one competitor.”

He has big plans for PNT. He has designs on opening 8 or more stores. In fact, his long term vision has him leasing a space simply to hold PNT tournaments. “My family and I have always had family tournaments, so I see how big tournaments can be,” he points out. He believes that PNT will be similar to Starbucks—people will want to be there, even for those who are not “gamers.”

His first store will be in El Paso, and he plans to open several stores in that area. His goal is to open them as quickly as possible with his goal for the first store to open in early November.

PLAY N TRADE IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED IN NEW MEXICO!

The Southwest welcomes another Play N Trade franchisee

The unbelievable growth of Play N Trade continues as Dr. Daniel Chang becomes the newest member of the PNT family.

8/18/2006 - Farmington, NM: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. is pleased to welcome Dr. Daniel to the PNT family. Dr. Chang comes to Play N Trade not as an avid gamer, but rather as “an investor,” he says. He has owned his own medial practice for over 16 years, but has always been interested in expanding his experience into other business ventures. Although Dr. Chang has some business-related experience in other fields, this is the first time he will own a retail business. “It is very exciting opportunity for me.”

He has looked at many other business opportunities but was attracted to the dramatic growth of Play N Trade as well as to the gaming industry as a whole. As Dr. Chang points out, “compared to other franchise opportunities no one else is offering franchise in the retail gaming industry, so there is not a lot of competition, really.”

Dr. Chang will still run his medical practice and as such plans to be a semi-absentee owner. It is his plan to open several more stores in the New Mexico area after he gets the first store open. Currently, he plans to open in the Farmington area around the first of November if all goes according to plan.

NEW MEXICO WELCOMES FIRST PLAY N TRADE FRANCHISEE!

New Mexico Welcomes its first Play N Trade franchisee

Play N Trade’s explosive growth continues as its newest franchise looks to expand in New Mexico

8/12/2006 - Las Vegas, NM: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. is pleased to welcome Dean Schear as its first New Mexico franchisee. Dean is an experienced entrepreneur who brings over 16 years of business acumen to all his business ventures. He has owned and managed many health care facilities in New Mexico during that time; in other words, Dean understands how to evaluate business opportunities.

Dean is not an avid or even casual gamer and had little idea about the industry until he tried to purchase an XBOX for his daughter to learn there were none in stock. Ever the entrepreneur, Dean began to investigate the gaming industry to ascertain its business potential. His investigation lead to Play N Trade.

Dean first contacted Play N Trade over a year ago and has watched it grow over that time. “I really like the aggressive growth Play N Trade has experienced over the last few months. That impressed me,” Dean says. Indeed, Play N Trade has experience 208% growth in its franchises over the last 60 days.

Dean plans open his first store in Las Vegas, NM. He wants to open as soon as possible, but most likely around late or early March. His entrepreneurial spirit has him considering the possibility of opening several more Play N Trades in the near future.

Arizona Welcomes First Play N Trade Franchisees!

Play N Trade extends its family of franchisees in the desert

Arizona, specifically Chandler is where the next Play N Trade franchisees expect to open.

8/05/2006 - Chandler, AZ: Jeff Jones, Doug Johannson and Mike Madison have been looking into starting a business for the better part of 4 years and had even looked at Play N Trade as recently as a year ago. Capital prevented them from joining the Play N trade family until Mike decided to join the partnership after talking with his life-long friend Doug. Friends since they went to high school at Tempe High, Doug and Mike had always wanted to go into business together, so the decision to own and operate a Play N Trade was an easy one, once some the due diligence was completed.

“Every store owner I talked to raves about the support and corporate-side of things,” Jeff states. Although statistics indicate that franchises do succeed at higher rates than other businesses, Jeff knew that just because Play N Trade offered franchises did not necessarily mean that opening one would translate into a successful business.

So he did what every smart potential business owner does—due diligence. “Everyone said that there is so much support from corporate, and that was important to us,” Jeff continues. “If there are any problems, for whatever reason, we wanted to make sure we would be able to contact Play N Trade and get assistance,” Jeff says. “I think that is the case with PNT.”

All three currently work in administrative roles at a university in Phoenix. Jeff plans to quit and work at the store full-time while Doug and Mike plan to maintain their current jobs and assist with the store in part-time capacities. All three will share in the responsibility for the success of the store, however.

They plan to have the store open by early November and have already been scouting locations for multiple stores. Additionally, they have been busy setting up the business-side of things. Currently, their plans are to open a store in Chandler. They have already attended BASICS training in early August.

NEW AREA DEVELOPER FOR PLAY N TRADE IN THE SOUTHWEST!

New Area Developer for Play N Trade in the Southwest

Play N Trade Franchise Inc. is pleased to announce the addition a new Area Developer for Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.

8/1/2006 - Phoenix, AZ: Play N Trade Franchise Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of its newest Area Developer in the Southwest, Trent Barber. Trent has an extensive background in small business consulting and has sold the rights to over 100 franchise opportunities within the last year. Trent looks to develop a huge area in the Southwest: Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Originally from Arizona, Trent is excited about the opportunity to develop the Southwest Arizona and New Mexico markets. “I really think the Play N Trade business model is the perfect solution for anyone considering small business. Play N Trade can thrive in both a large city, like Phoenix, or smaller cities like Clovis, New Mexico,” Barber says.

The Area Developer position essentially allows one to partner with the company and to be rewarded for its growth in that area. An Area Developer shares revenue with the franchisor for stores within his area.

With Trent’s extensive sales experience, this business opportunity was simply to good to pass up.

For more information about becoming an Area Developer or owning a Play N Trade store visit www.pntgame.com or call 877-741-7917 .

First New Mexico PNT Store Opens With a BIG Splash!

Last weekend I attended the Grand Opening Daniel Chang’s store in, Farmington, New Mexico. Farmington has a population of approximately 40k people and Daniels store is the first Play N Trade store to open with the new build out design in the Southwest. I have to tell you the store looked AWESOME! In fact, that is exactly what I overhear many customers who entered Daniel’s store for the first time say when they first walked in, ‘This is awesome.” The store looked a lot better in person than even the artist’s renditions portrayed it.

As part of the Grand Opening event, he held a Super Smash Brothers tournament. Not knowing what to expect for a tournament in a smaller community the response BLEW ME AWAY! Over one hundred people showed up for the event. In speaking with many customers in attendance, I learned that several customers had heard about the tournament on the radio a few days before and drove more than 1 hour to attend the event. The store was completely packed with customers for most of the day and the sales figure for the day certainly reflected it. The 3 employees Daniel had on hand were very busy and did a great job managing the tournament. The proprietary Play N Trade software system made managing the tournament a breeze, after experiencing a live tournament I don’t know how you could host one without the software system.

Click on the link to the right to view photos of the event.

I would like to congratulate Daniel and his staff for a job well done. Keep up the excellent work!

Trent