HMV questions Sony’s TV-giving stunt at UK launch

According to a new report on Games Industry, music and games retailer HMV has questioned Sony‘s last-minute giveaway of 165 Bravia televisions to some very lucky people in line at the Virgin Megastore.

Despite brisk demand for the PS3 during launch day, a spokesperson for HMV mentioned he would have preferred if they used the money they invested in the giveaway to make a more spectacular launch.

The HMV spokesperson was quoted as saying the following:

The stunt of giving away over £ 200,000 worth HDTVs, though great for the fans that managed to get one, struck me as being slightly unnecessary in the greater scheme of things – especially as it may have encouraged some of the more cynical media to think of it as a last-minute attempt to bolster queues and PR coverage.

However, the unnamed spokesperson was quick to change gears, saying that they are, in fact, “happy with the overall launch so far.” The store is also expecting to be able to sell the remaining launch stocks of the PS3 “quite quickly, if this level of interest continues.”

Personally, we’re quite pleased at the result of getting free televisions. While we can question the motives all we like, it’s that sort of promotion that definitely makes up for waiting for a PS3 under rather cold weather. It’s right along there with free coffee on a bad day and hugs from loved ones. Well… the 2000-dollar kind of hugs, at least.

Via Games Industry

According to a new report on Games Industry, music and games retailer HMV has questioned Sony‘s last-minute giveaway of 165 Bravia televisions to some very lucky people in line at the Virgin Megastore.

Despite brisk demand for the PS3 during launch day, a spokesperson for HMV mentioned he would have preferred if they used the money they invested in the giveaway to make a more spectacular launch.

The HMV spokesperson was quoted as saying the following:

The stunt of giving away over £ 200,000 worth HDTVs, though great for the fans that managed to get one, struck me as being slightly unnecessary in the greater scheme of things – especially as it may have encouraged some of the more cynical media to think of it as a last-minute attempt to bolster queues and PR coverage.

However, the unnamed spokesperson was quick to change gears, saying that they are, in fact, “happy with the overall launch so far.” The store is also expecting to be able to sell the remaining launch stocks of the PS3 “quite quickly, if this level of interest continues.”

Personally, we’re quite pleased at the result of getting free televisions. While we can question the motives all we like, it’s that sort of promotion that definitely makes up for waiting for a PS3 under rather cold weather. It’s right along there with free coffee on a bad day and hugs from loved ones. Well… the 2000-dollar kind of hugs, at least.

Via Games Industry