GameStop has announced that all stores in the U.S. are to temporarily cease customer access to their storefronts starting today, with the company instead processing orders on a "digital-only basis, moving to curbside pick-up at stores and eCommerce delivery only".
The move comes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with the company confirming it will reimburse all employees whose hours have been eliminated with an additional two weeks pay at their regular pay rate. All benefit eligible U.S. GameStop employees will be reimbursed with "one month of the employee portion of benefit expenses" as well.
Here's what GameStop CEO George Sherman had to say:
"As millions of Americans look to GameStop to adjust to their new normal of increased time at home, for work, learning and play, we have implemented practices to help ensure the safety and health of our employees, customers and partners. We believe it is prudent to institute further safety protocols while meeting this increased demand through curbside pick-up. As such, stores that remain in operation will provide only pick-up at the door or delivery to home activities to further protect our employees and customers.”
The move comes just days after GameStop confirmed to staff it was remaining open due to classifying itself as "essential retail" (thanks Kotaku). Ultimately though, it looks like it could be some time before things return to normal for GameStop and many other games retailers throughout the world.
What are your thoughts on GameStop's storefronts being forced to close? Let us know in the comments.
[source kotaku.com, via news.gamestop.com]
Comments 8
They had to make that animal crossing money first 😜
I wonder if game will do the same thing. I wouldn't want to be working in one of those stores right now
If only it was permanent.
This really could signal the death of the physical game store. Places that are based around trade ins (life CEX in the UK) or retro will survive (or be replaced by a new shop that does the same) but 6-12 months of most people only buying digital or delivery from the likes of Amazon means I think games shops with new games will be gone soon.
@Tasuki I can only hope the same happens to GAME here in the UK. I’d never wish people to lose their jobs but we could do without companies like GAME and CEX with their shady practices, awful customer services and rip-off games that are pre-owned with literally only £2 or £3 off the full price of a brand new copy and then giving you next to nothing when you trade something in only for them to sell it for a ridiculously higher price than what they got from you.
If this Coronavirus shuts companies like these down then I’ll say:
@Gamecuber Of major chain stores - honestly they were already on their way out.
But smaller so-called "indie game stores" that deal in retro hardware, offer repair services and other more specialized products will probably still be around. Just no where near in the numbers they used to be.
Of course, they wait until Doom & Animal Crossing come out & then close.
They’ve been getting killed in the press & on YouTube for staying open & calling themselves an “essential” business here in the U.S.
Heavyarms55 however it’ll be new ones. Unless they’ve got a really good presence online I can’t imagine they’ll survive (at least in the UK). Our government looks set to close all retail stores (because people cannot be trusted to just stay home!). Most stores still rely on foot traffic and with ridiculous rental prices in towns and cities many shops will disappear completely.
Of course new ones will spring up once this is over but I feel terrible for any small independent shop now...
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