Yuvi Shmul, CEO of Play N Trade Franchise, Inc., one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide, shared his insights with new franchisees on how to build a successful business in their hometown at the company’s recent training conference.

“Most people think that business success can only be achieved in large cities or urban areas, and Play N Trade video game stores are proving that success is possible anywhere,” Shmul said. “From Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to Chubbuck, Idaho and from Forked River, New Jersey to Lodi, California, Play N Trade stores are profitable, fun places to work and valued members of their community.”

The North American video game market recorded its strongest year ever in 2006 at $12.5 billion in sales of hardware, software and accessories. The first quarter of 2007 in the U.S. was very robust, with total sales skyrocketing 54 percent over the prior year quarter to $3.3 billion, according to the latest report from consumer and retail market research firm The NPD Group.

“Video games are unique in that the appeal transcends age and geography. As video game consoles have evolved from toys to sophisticated technologies, the video game consumer demographic has expanded beyond its original base of kids and teenagers to include adults as well,” Shmul said. “Video games are a major draw for discretionary income, along with sports and movies, and Play N Trade is the only video game franchise opportunity available, offering entrepreneurs and small business owners an ideal opportunity to be part of this exciting industry.”

The Play N Trade business model does not include any corporate stores, but is built solely on the success of its franchisees. Franchisee support includes extensive sales, marketing and business management training, site location assistance, in-store digital advertising, and a locally-branded Web site, and the Play N Trade proprietary POS (Point of Sale) system provides all of the tools necessary to operate every aspect of inventory control in a retail setting.