Used DVDs inexpensive gifts, says Hastings

PHYSICAL: Retailer positions older inventory for cash-strapped shoppers

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 11/24/2009

NOV. 24 | PHYSICAL: With consumers strapped for cash in the current economy, Hastings Entertainment is offering its used movies, videogames and other products as less expensive options for gifts.

"You can find a wide selection of newer, older and hard to find titles at rock bottom prices," said Kevin Ball, VP of marketing for the chain.

The retailer lists such used deals as a Quantum of Solace DVD priced at $2.82 and a hardcover copy of James Patterson's novel The 8th Confession priced at $2.99 on its Web site, GoHastings.com.

Despite some stigma attached to gifting used products, Hastings insists that its quality used merchandise, also including CDs, presents helpful bargains in difficult economic times.

“Hastings guarantees every used product, and most used products are practically indistinguishable from the comparable new product,” said Bell.

Customers also can score spending cash or store credits by trading in their own DVDs, videogames and other items to Hastings. Last year, Hastings said it bought back more than 2.7 million DVDs, 1.5 million used books, 1 million used CDs and 500,000 used videogames.

"We have been buying and selling used product for years and have one of the largest selections of used inventory in the country," said Ball.