Following a ton of bad publicity, GameStop has agreed to close all of its stores in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The struggling retail chain previously argued that it was “essential retail,” going so far as to tell law enforcement that it had a right to be open.
While GameStop stores are technically closed off to the public for the foreseeable future, they will remain functional to some extent – customers seeking instant gratification can still order items online for curbside pick-up. And as always, more patient types can opt for home deliveries.
“This is an unprecedented time and each day brings new information about the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote GameStop CEO George Sherman today. “Our priority has been and continues to be on the well-being of our employees, customers and business partners. We have been steadfast in our adherence to CDC-guided safety and local government orders for retailers in each of our communities.”
“As millions of Americans look to GameStop to adjust to their new normal of increased time at home, for work, learning and play, we have implemented practices to help ensure the safety and health of our employees, customers and partners. We believe it is prudent to institute further safety protocols while meeting this increased demand through curbside pick-up. As such, stores that remain in operation will provide only pick-up at the door or delivery to home activities to further protect our employees and customers.”
Luckily, most employees are still getting paid. Sherman said that “all U.S. employees whose hours have been eliminated an additional two weeks at their regular pay rate based on the average hours worked in the last 10 weeks.” Additionally, GameStop “will reimburse all benefit eligible U.S. employees, one month of the employee portion of benefit expenses.”