Grapevine, Texas — GameStop has joined the roster of retailers carrying Amazon.com’s Kindle Fire tablets.
The specialty gaming chain is now selling the 7-inch HD model ($200) in all U.S. GameStop locations, and is offering the 8.9-inch HD version ($300) and basic Kindle Fire ($160) in select stores.
The added distribution of GameStop’s 4,400 retail stores will help offset the loss of Walmart and Target, which dropped the entire Kindle line earlier this year. The tablets and e-readers are still variously carried by a host of national chains, including Best Buy, Office Depot, OfficeMax, RadioShack, Staples and Toys “R” Us.
“Gaming is one of the most popular activities on Kindle Fire, so we’re excited that GameStop is offering the new Kindle Fire family to its customers,” said Amazon Kindle VP Mike McKenna.
He noted that the HD models, which feature a “stunning custom display” and a gyroscope and accelerometer with full tilt and turn controls, are “great for gaming.”
Added GameStop mobile VP Joe Gorman: “Android tablets are topping many holiday lists, so it’s the perfect time to add Kindle Fire to GameStop’s mobile electronics selection.”
To kick off the rollout, GameStop is offering a free $25 Amazon.com gift card with each Kindle Fire purchase until Jan. 31, 2013. Customers can also receive up to $100 in-store credit when they trade in an original Kindle Fire.
