After months of research and months more planning a new layout for Play N Trade stores, the big day finally arrived for the grand opening of the Hodgkins, Ill. Play N Trade store on May 29. The Hodgkins store was the first to use Play N Trade’s new layout and design.
For the new design, Play N Trade hired EWI Worldwide to research the gaming industry. Research found that while the typical video gamer was changing, the retailers were not. Based on the findings, Play N Trade designed a layout to appeal to both casual gamers and mothers while still staying true to dedicated gamers and unveiled it on May 29.
The festivities started with a VIP event including a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. In attendance were various city and community representatives including Marge Hamm from Bears Care, the charitable beneficiary for the Chicago Bears and Corey Graham, Chicago cornerback. Graham posed for pictures and signed autographs for eager fans. At 4 p.m. the store was opened to the public amid great excitement and enthusiasm.
