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Babbage's Etc. Makes Big Play for PlayStation 2 Launch

At the stroke of midnight, hundreds of Babbage's Etc. stores will open their doors, offering special in-store promotions, demos, and events. Thousands of gamers who pre-ordered through Babbage's Etc.'s stores will be lining up at stores to get their hands on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, which is designed to bring together games, music and movies. In addition, the company has undertaken extensive internal logistics planning to ensure that its supply of PlayStation 2's gets into gamers' hands on the 26th.

Babbage's Etc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) and has nearly 1000 stores under the Babbage's, Software Etc., GameStop and Funcoland names.

``Demand for the system is unprecedented, and we expect the launch will result in spectacular sales and inventory turnover for Babbage's Etc.,'' said Dan Dematteo, president of Babbage's Etc. ``As the world's largest specialty retailer of video game and PC entertainment software, we have been working around the clock to prepare for the launch and ensure our customers the broadest selection of games and accessories.''

A heavy in-store merchandising and media push for the system is underway. The system is featured prominently in Babbage's Etc.'s store ads, catalogs, and in gaming magazines. For the past week, consumers have been able to try out some of the hottest games for the system in several stores that feature system kiosks.

Across the U.S., select stores will open at midnight on October 25th or early on October 26th to accommodate customers who have pre-ordered the systems.

Employees worked closely with customers on pre-orders to educate them as to the availability of the systems. Gamers who did not pre-order enough in advance will be notified as additional systems arrive throughout the holiday season.

On the launch day, the chain will have a wide selection of PlayStation 2 games such as FantaVision(TM), published by SCEA, Tekken Tag Tournament, published and developed by Namco, and Madden NFL 2001, published and developed by EA Sports, as well as several first and third party accessories.

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