GameStop Shuts Down Hundreds of US Stores: A New Year's Surprise
As we welcome the new year, GameStop has taken a surprising turn by closing hundreds of its stores in the US. Employees were caught off guard by the sudden closures, with signs hastily posted on storefronts confirming the news. To soften the blow, the signs offered customers an extra 20% on trade-ins at other GameStop locations. Some customers have expressed frustration at the lack of nearby alternatives, with one Reddit user mentioning that their closest store is now a 1.5-hour drive away.
Reports indicate that around 296 stores were shut down in the first week of 2026, including stores that were performing well. This move is believed to be connected to the CEO's potential $35 billion payout if GameStop reaches a market cap of $100 billion, which is a significant increase from its current value of $9.3 billion. The CEO's compensation is entirely performance-based, with no guaranteed pay.
In addition to the US closures, GameStop is also considering ending its EB Games business in New Zealand, which could result in the closure of 38 stores in the region. The company has assured employees that no final decision will be made until a full consultation process is completed in good faith with affected team members.
The start of the year has been eventful for GameStop, with store closures and potential business changes on the horizon. Share your thoughts on GameStop's recent actions in the comments below.