US: Sony to close Metreon PlayStation Store

via MCV


Sony has decided not to renew the leases on the PlayStation Store and Sony Style outlets in San Francisco’s Metreon Shopping Center.

The 350,000 square foot PlayStation store was originally opened in June 1999 and has hosted the West Coast launches for Sony’s flagship products, including the PS2, PSP and PS3.

“Our lease with the Metreon for the PlayStation Store will expire this summer and we have chosen not to renew it,” a Sony representative told Gamespot. “While we are always looking at new avenues for additional retail exposure and space, we felt it best not to continue with a dedicated PlayStation Store at the Metreon at this time.”

The store is currently the only PlayStation-specific retail outlet operated by Sony and its lease will expire on March 31. However, the company operates several Sony Style stores across the US.

Conversely, Sony’s rival Microsoft recently announced it will open its own chain of branded stores in the territory.