Recent reports ofGameStop’s handling of the spreading coronavirus pandemic have not been the best for the company. Not only has the brick and mortar retail chain failed to provide employee’s with proper cleaning supplies, but it recently issued an order to all employees not to close stores during city lockdown orders.GameStop’s claimis that it is essential based on the experience it provides for consumers.
Now, it turns out that GameStop is closing its doors in California, as first reported by Kotaku, but not willingly. It seems the retailer is closing its doors in California as a mandate from Governor Gavin Newsom, which is serious about-face from thestance GameStop was defending just yesterday.
RELATED:GameStop Employees Criticize Company’s Coronavirus Policies
GameStopissued a note to employees today, stating, “We are closing our stores in California. The closure will remain in effect until further notice as we obtain more information from the California Governor’s Office.” Given the aforementioned resistance to state shutdowns, it’s incredibly likely that this was moreso because of the Governor than GameStop, and the retailer may be trying to re-open stores base on the wording of this memo, though that is mere speculation.
After all, while the company has not come right out and said it, many think theCoronavirus could be the last nail in GameStop’s coffin. It’s no secret that the company has been struggling with its digital competition, and major shutdowns are bound to have serious financial blowback for the company. However, the health of its employees during such a time should take priority.
That said, the entire future for GameStop is not as grim as it may first seem. The upcoming releases of the PS5 and Xbox Series X may serve as a serious buffer to the company, and even formerNoA President Reggie is joining its Board of Directorsto hopefully steer the company in a more successful direction.
GameStop has taken some steps to combat the Coronavirus, such as sellingDoom Eternalearly to avoid crowds. For the most part, though, it has been more criticized than praised. California, depending on how the situation develops, may just be the first state to seeGameStopabiding by lockdown orders, and it could begin to follow suit with more lockdown orders in the near future. Only time will tell, though.
