GameStop is Closing A whole lot of Shops In January 2026

GameStop is beginning off 2026 by shuttering tons of of shops completely. The sudden transfer has come unexpectedly for a lot of GameStop prospects and staff, who at the moment are voicing their frustration and confusion on-line.

GameStop’s funds and successes in recent times have seen important shifts with ups and downs. The corporate has tried a number of instances to pivot and enhance its circumstances, bringing on new board members, specializing in non-video sport products like Pokemon TCG cards and numerous collectibles, and so forth. The corporate has additionally closed plenty of areas prior to now, however now extra are becoming a member of the checklist in 2026.

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GameStop is Shutting Down Round 300 Shops

Now, GameStop has revealed to staff and prospects that lots of its areas are closing. The information appears to have arrived with none prior discover for a lot of of its staff, with some claiming that they came upon that their job location can be shutting down the identical manner prospects did: via an indication pasted on the entrance door. A few of the GameStops have already closed, however closures are anticipated to proceed via January 14. The aforementioned signal tells prospects the place their closest GameStop location is, with a 20% Commerce-in Bonus on video games and equipment for the rest of the month on the alternate retailer location. Those that have pre-ordered merchandise via GameStop areas which can be closed or closing can sometimes choose them up at their next-closest GameStop, although consumers will wish to verify with their particular person shops to verify. This follows GameStop store closures in 2025 and years prior.

Loads of individuals have come out of the woodwork to decry the shop closures. Many have criticized the way in which the announcement was dealt with, with some complaining in regards to the lack of discover prematurely, whereas others are extra upset in regards to the notion of tacking a coupon on a retailer closing signal whereas the staff are scuffling with dropping their jobs. Some have additionally been livid at this transformation as a result of the present CEO of GameStop, Ryan Cohen, might doubtlessly earn a pay bundle price $35 billion in inventory choices.

GameStop Location Closures

Based on a community-run page chronicling the GameStop closures, 296 areas are confirmed to be closing, with one other 58 unconfirmed at the moment.

Sport Shops Hold Disappearing

One other frequent sentiment amongst these commenting on this growth is that they now lack close by sport shops solely. The following-closest GameStop listed for some areas is greater than half an hour away, which is not possible for some followers, particularly when the comfort of video game digital distribution and on-line purchases are at a participant’s fingertips. GameStop is probably going primarily closing shops that had been underperforming or price an excessive amount of cash to run as a consequence of points like excessive hire, however as extra gamers find yourself in online game retailer deserts, the development in the direction of shopping for bodily video games — particularly at brick and mortar areas — could proceed to decrease.

For a lot of, shopping for video games in-store is a time-honored custom and one thing that they’ve fond recollections related to. Many avid gamers have discovered video games that they may not have found if not for recognizing it on a retailer shelf at random, for instance, whereas others suppose again fondly to lining up in the midst of the evening to grab a new console or game at midnight. After all, shopping for video games in bodily shops additionally has its drawbacks, like being unable to search out what one’s searching for, or having to attend in lengthy strains to shut a purchase order. There are professionals and cons on each side, however with out sport shops, gamers lose the chance to make that alternative for themselves.