GameStop is about to change the way that they do business by embracing digital downloads as part of their regular business model. According to a combination of reports and sources, the gaming retailer will sell digital download content for both the Xbox Live and PlayStation Network and allow users to purchase download content using a variety of payment methods, including actual physical trade-ins made at the store.

For example, if you bought Burnout Paradise and wanted to purchase the Big Surf Island expansion pack, you could buy both of them at GameStop and have the download of Big Surf Island waiting for you for download when you get home.

The idea of retailers being able to sell add-on download content marks a sharp departure from the retail model that the company has had in the past; and represents an evolution by GameStop to change with the times as add-on download content continues to become more a part of the total package of many titles. We can see that this could increase the sales of download content and, of course, the digital distribution sales will contribute to the company’s bottom line.

GameStop is working with both Microsoft and Sony to build the necessary software to add these sales features. The company has also tasked its Digital Media group with working on expansion in the digital space, and it hopes to have additional expansion in this space next year; but at this time the company is not prepared to announce anything quite yet.