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GameStop might not be on people’s radars as much as it was 15 years ago, but the meme stock is proving it still has a knack of publicity stunts that turn heads.
The video game retailer declared Saturday “Trade Anything Day,” where it would let people bring in pretty much anything to their stores and trade it for store credit, which could be used to buy used games or other merchandise. And when you give the Internet an opening like that, it’s going to deliver.
More than 80,000 items were hauled into stores around the country. And while most of the items were likely fairly benign, there were some standouts.
The taxidermized bobcat — obviously the work of an amateur taxidermy enthusiast — and the stuffed (and seemingly molting) goose, for instance, likely came as a surprise for the store clerks. As odd as those were, the grand prize for weirdness likely went to the person who brought in a portrait of their dog, its hair styled to look like Snoop Dogg.
There were speed limit signs, Air Jordans and even a can of Whoop Ass (peanuts – 9 oz.).
Among the other items, GameStop said it received:
- A tiny Jesus
- A full creepy doll collection
- The complete Friends season DVD collection
- A bowling ball
- A “happy heater” (we’re not going to ask…)
- A Wii Netflix disc
Now, how much did people get for this basement detritus? GameStop didn’t say. But a used PS5 game takes up a lot less room than a giant stuffed goose.
GameStop has seen revenues tumble in recent years as the video game industry has fully embraced digital deliveries. The chain, which used to be a rallying point for big game releases, has been struggling to find its footing in the new gaming world, adopting a series of new approaches, none of which has restored the company to its former glory.
Despite that, its stock has remained at a respectable level thanks to retail investors – and the company has lately embarked on a PR campaign that is aimed at regaining the attention of customers who have fallen by the wayside.
Care to see some of the strangest items GameStop collected? Take a look!