According to an internal memo Joystiq received, Zellers – the Canadian retail chain – may no longer be stocking the 80GB PlayStation 3 Core bundle. The memo specifically notes that employees are not to take rainchecks on an advertised deal allowing customers to purchase an 80GB core bundle with any PS3 game under $30 for a total price of $380 (after a $20 discount). The memo notes that rainchecks can't be accepted because the company "can not promise" to fill them with the same item.
Assuming the document is real (the contact info -- which we've redacted -- is legitimate), it could imply that Sony is no longer offering the 80GB PS3 Core bundle to the retailer, possibly meaning the bundle itself is being discontinued. The memo certainly jives with industry speculation that Sony will clear 80GB stock in advance of a price cut, new 160GB bundles and possibly even the elusive PS3 Slim as well. Of course, it's also possible that the store is simply waiting for more 80GB Core models to be manufactured, though it seems unlikely that it would choose to stop taking rainchecks if that were the case.
We've reached out to Zellers' parent company, HBC, for comment. If you work for Zellers (or any games retailer!) and you've heard similar rumblings, be sure to hit up the Joystiq tips line (anonymity assured).
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/memo-zellers-canadian-retailer-no-longer-stocking-80gb-ps3-co/
PS3 slim is so coming
