GameStop Stores Shut Down Amid Cost-Cutting Efforts
A significant blow to brick-and-mortar retailers, GameStop is closing over 400 stores across the US in an effort to slash costs. According to recent reports, more than 410 locations have already been closed or are slated for closure, with another 11 on the chopping block as of January 10. The news comes as no surprise, however, given a previously disclosed plan by the company to close "a significant number of additional stores" in its fiscal year, which concluded on January 31, 2026.
The financial struggles of GameStop have been well-documented, with investors expressing concerns over the brand's direction. Despite witnessing a remarkable surge in market value in 2021, the retailer has struggled to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements. The company's board of directors had previously committed to paying out CEO Ryan Cohen up to $35 billion in stock options if he manages to boost the retail giant's market capitalization to $100 billion.
While GameStop is reeling from this wave of store closures, its international operations are also facing significant changes. According to an SEC filing, the company plans to significantly reduce its presence in several European countries and Canada as part of its broader restructuring efforts.
A significant blow to brick-and-mortar retailers, GameStop is closing over 400 stores across the US in an effort to slash costs. According to recent reports, more than 410 locations have already been closed or are slated for closure, with another 11 on the chopping block as of January 10. The news comes as no surprise, however, given a previously disclosed plan by the company to close "a significant number of additional stores" in its fiscal year, which concluded on January 31, 2026.
The financial struggles of GameStop have been well-documented, with investors expressing concerns over the brand's direction. Despite witnessing a remarkable surge in market value in 2021, the retailer has struggled to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements. The company's board of directors had previously committed to paying out CEO Ryan Cohen up to $35 billion in stock options if he manages to boost the retail giant's market capitalization to $100 billion.
While GameStop is reeling from this wave of store closures, its international operations are also facing significant changes. According to an SEC filing, the company plans to significantly reduce its presence in several European countries and Canada as part of its broader restructuring efforts.
... GameStop is like, a big part of gaming culture, you know? Closing so many stores will make it harder for people to get that retro game fix or just hang out with friends at the store. It's not surprising, though - the way we shop has changed so much online now 
. I feel bad for Ryan Cohen, too... he was hoping to boost the company's value and pay off those stock options 
. Guess it's just another sign of how hard it is for traditional retailers to keep up with the times 
. On the bright side, maybe this will give some indie game stores a chance to shine through 
?
I'm kinda surprised they're closing so many stores but like at the same time it's not a shocker given how much gaming has shifted online. it's crazy to think about how much store experience has changed with all the digital stuff we have nowadays 
. I mean, can you imagine walking into a physical store and having to ask someone where the Switch is? 
It's like they're trying to cling to the past while the world moves on to cloud gaming and online retailers.
. It was more than just a store; it was an experience.
I remember when this place was all the rage back in my gaming days, you'd find lines out the door for new console releases 
now it seems like they're cutting ties with brick-and-mortar altogether... what's the future of gaming shopping gonna look like? 
GameStop's brick-and-mortar stores are dying... like, how many physical gaming spots do we really need? 
400+ closures is a lot, hope they find new ways to keep it relevant online 
. They've been trying to cut costs for ages but it seems like they're not making enough progress 
. Now they're also reducing their presence in Europe and Canada... it's like they're giving up on those markets 
. I'm not surprised, though - gaming is a digital world now, and GameStop just hasn't kept up 
. They'll have to get creative if they want to stay relevant 
.
. Like, what's really happenin' with GameStop? On one hand, they're closin' all these stores, which seems like a normal business move. But then you gotta ask why? What's the real reason behind this mass closure? Is it just about cuttin' costs or is there somethin' more goin' on?
. Like, what's up with that? Is Ryan Cohen just tryin' to line his pockets while the rest of us suffer? It just seems so... suspicious.
. They're not just selling games, they're part of the gaming community - it's like losing a part of your own family 
I'm really gonna miss visiting my local GameStop 
. And let's be real, who needs all those gaming consoles and merch in the first place? 
anyway, it's crazy how gamestop is cutting costs everywhere, including their stores 
i mean, i get it, times are tough but 400+ store closures is just harsh 
. Plus, the company's been struggling for years, and they need to cut costs somehow 
where's the social aspect of gaming?