GameStop Quietly Closing Stores Across the U.S.
For many gamers, GameStop has been a nostalgic cornerstone for buying and trading games. However, the company is now quietly closing numerous stores across the United States, often without prior notice, leaving loyal customers disheartened. Despite the lack of an official announcement, both customers and employees have been reporting store closures on social media since the start of the year.
GameStop, the world’s largest retailer of new and used video games, has a rich history dating back over 44 years. Originally founded as Babbage’s in Dallas, Texas in 1980, it grew to over 6,000 locations worldwide by 2015, with annual sales peaking at around $9 billion. However, the shift to digital game sales has significantly impacted its physical stores. By February 2024, GameStop had reduced its store count by nearly one-third, with approximately 3,000 locations remaining in the U.S., according to ScrapeHero.
Following a regulatory report in December 2024 suggesting more closures, customers and employees have shared their experiences of shuttered stores on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Some lament the loss of their favorite locations, which they viewed as valuable sources for affordable games and consoles. Employees have also expressed frustration with high performance expectations as management evaluates which stores to keep open.
This wave of closures is part of an ongoing trend for the struggling retailer. A Reuters report from March 2024 revealed that GameStop had closed 287 stores over the previous year, following a sharp revenue decline in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Over the years, GameStop has explored various strategies to adapt to the changing market, including expanding its offerings to video game-related toys and apparel, and even venturing into phone trade-ins and trading card grading. The company received a temporary boost in 2021 from a surge of interest from amateur investors on Reddit, a story later documented in films and documentaries.
As GameStop navigates these challenges, its future remains uncertain, with many wondering how the company will evolve in the face of a predominantly digital gaming industry.