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GameStop is leaning heavily to trading cards as part of its future strategy, according to CEO Ryan Cohen. The news comes as a part of larger strategy shift to buy and hold a lot of bitcoin.
Cohen has said that continuing to focus on trading cards, including the incredibly popular recent Pokemon card sets, is a "natural extension" of GameStop's business. He added that the collectibles could have potential for high profit margins.
Pokemon cards have a seen a gigantic resurgence recently. Stores regularly sell out of sets, including the Destined Rivals set that launched on May 30. Cards have become increasingly hard to find as scalpers buy up supply and sell Pokemon card products--including cards, special boxes, and accessories--at exorbitant prices.
GameStop has been steadily expanding its Pokemon card services. As of last month, GameStop has graded over one million cards with Professional Sports Authenticator. The store chain doesn't actually grade the cards--a service that evaluates cards based on card quality and rarity--but offers a service where shoppers can drop their cards off at the store and pay an extra fee to have GameStop handle the process for them.
It's no mystery why GameStop has increased its focus on trading cards. Its revenue in the first quarter of 2025 surged by over 50% on a year-over-year basis largely due to Pokemon.
Source
Cohen has said that continuing to focus on trading cards, including the incredibly popular recent Pokemon card sets, is a "natural extension" of GameStop's business. He added that the collectibles could have potential for high profit margins.
Pokemon cards have a seen a gigantic resurgence recently. Stores regularly sell out of sets, including the Destined Rivals set that launched on May 30. Cards have become increasingly hard to find as scalpers buy up supply and sell Pokemon card products--including cards, special boxes, and accessories--at exorbitant prices.
GameStop has been steadily expanding its Pokemon card services. As of last month, GameStop has graded over one million cards with Professional Sports Authenticator. The store chain doesn't actually grade the cards--a service that evaluates cards based on card quality and rarity--but offers a service where shoppers can drop their cards off at the store and pay an extra fee to have GameStop handle the process for them.
It's no mystery why GameStop has increased its focus on trading cards. Its revenue in the first quarter of 2025 surged by over 50% on a year-over-year basis largely due to Pokemon.
Source
