OCT. 24, 2007 • GameStop opened it store number 5,000 in Jackson, Calif. The retailer expects to end 2007 having opened up to 550 locations worldwide between the U.S. and 16 other markets.

Impact: GameStop has clearly become the leading game retailer by consolidating several specialty chains.  More importantly, GameStop has focused on bringing game stores into suburban strip malls, often near drug and grocery stores.  It is similar to what Blockbuster Video did in the home video market.  This expansion of distribution allows games to become more of an impulse purchase.  Thanks to GameStop consumers can pick up a gallon of milk and the latest Madden football game at the same time.