Part 7/9:
The Impact of the Pandemic and Demand Estimation
Ryan proposes that the digital sales boom, driven by pandemic-related lockdowns and store shortages, could explain why many copies of The Last of Us Part II are still languishing on shelves. Retailers are ordering fewer copies, anticipation of lower physical demand, and increased reliance on digital distribution may result in excess inventory of physical copies.
He shares an intriguing story from a Best Buy employee: after the initial release, a large shipment of The Last of Us Part II was only partially sold, leaving many unsold copies still waiting in store; meanwhile, Ghost of Tsushima sells out immediately upon restock.