Gamers only learning what popular CeX shop name actually stands for after 33 years
The shop, easily recognised on the high street by its red exterior, predominatly sells pre-owned games, DVDs, Blu-rays and electronics such as gaming consoles, phones and computers
Many regulars frequent it for their gaming needs, but the backstory of CeX's name isn't common knowledge. Known for its striking red shop fronts, the chain mainly trades in second-hand games, DVDs, Blu-rays and tech like game consoles, mobiles and computers.
Despite having a presence with 390 stores throughout the UK and another 230 worldwide, not many are clued up on what CeX stands for. The peculiar choice of pronunciation sparked a debate online, with one Reddit user expressing frustration: "What dumb*** thought it would be a good idea for their company name to be pronounced sex instead of kex."
However, per CeX, the moniker represents Complete Entertainment Exchange.
The firm's statement details: "CeX was founded in London in 1992. We have stores in the UK, Spain, Ireland, India, Italy, Australia, Portugal, Netherlands, Mexico, Poland, Malaysia and Canarias", reports Devon Live.
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They underscore their expertise: "The nature of our business is the purchase and sale of second-hand items."
Clarifying further, they state: "We buy, sell and exchange a range of technology and entertainment products including mobile phones, video games, DVDs and Blu-rays, computers, digital electronics, TVs and monitors."
Debate even exists among those who work there, with one person remarking: "I mean I worked their for nearly a decade and I never once heard a staff member call it either sex or kex. It was only ever C-E-X, except in the revolting advertisements which everyone hates."
Warning: Below post may contain offensive language.
Another individual commented: "I don't think I've ever met someone who genuinely calls it sex. I really don't know why they don't just accept people aren't going to stop calling it that.
"They've even started an advert somewhere to do with their warranty and they refer to it as protected CeX, and something else as unprotected CeX. Just comes across as edgy and weird."
Yet another voiced their opinion, stating: "Does anyone actually pronounce it 'sex'? I thought that was some sort of marketing joke. I pronounce it 'see-ee-ex', and everyone I know does the same."
And yet one more added, "Had no idea that it was supposed to be called sex as cee-e-ex is how everyone calls it in the UK at least. Knowing this information only makes the place sound even more seedy and cringe than it already is. Already avoided the place and will continue to."
Detailing the company's services, an online declaration reads: "CeX is the UK's biggest second-hand electronics and entertainment specialist. CeX has been serving tech enthusiasts, gamers and geeks the latest and greatest in the world's tech and gaming - all with a 5-year warranty, for decades.
"At CeX you can get cash fast for your old phones, games, consoles, laptops, tablets, computers, technology, DVDs, Blu-rays and gadgets, or get more with a CeX voucher and upgrade your old phones, consoles and laptops for less.
"Upgrade your tech for less by trading your unwanted tech in at CeX, and grabbing yourself that new phone, new games, consoles, laptops and tech."