Gamestop Gets A High Score: A Winning Strategy To Control Energy & Telecom Expenses

Early 2008 was a time when many retailers were slowing expansion plans in reaction to a more conservative consumer. However, GameStop, the world's largest video game retailer, bucked the trend by opening 210 new stores in the first quarter of the year. With this expansion came additional expenses, creating an immediate need for GameStop to better control and manage these costs. One area identified as a possible source of savings was operational expenses, including energy and telecom.

GameStop started by placing a larger emphasis on energy management. Their goal was to reduce their overall energy spend, while making positive steps towards sustainability initiatives and carbon reduction. In order to lower costs, GameStop began with contract negotiations for their electric commodity in the deregulated states. It was during this effort that Shirley Granado, Director of Strategic Cost Control at GameStop, realized that her team needed deeper bench strength to efficiently manage this project and optimize opportunities.