GameStop is Closing Hundreds of Stores In January 2026

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GameStop is beginning 2026 by closing hundreds of stores for good. This unexpected decision has left many customers and employees surprised and expressing their disappointment and confusion online.

As a longtime GameStop fan, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster watching the company these past few years. They’ve really been trying to turn things around, bringing in new people to lead the way and expanding into things beyond just video games – I’ve definitely seen a lot more Pokemon TCG cards and collectibles in their stores. It’s sad to say, but they’ve had to close stores before, and unfortunately, it looks like even more will be closing in 2026. It’s tough to see, but I’m hoping they can find a path forward.

GameStop is Shutting Down Around 300 Stores

GameStop is closing many of its stores, and employees and customers are just finding out. Some employees learned about the closures the same way customers did – by seeing a sign on the door. While some stores have already closed, more will be shutting down before January 14th. The signs direct customers to the nearest open GameStop and offer a 20% bonus when trading in games and accessories at that location for the rest of the month. Customers with pre-orders at closing stores can usually pick them up at another nearby GameStop, but it’s best to confirm with the store first. GameStop has closed stores in previous years and will continue to do so.

The recent store closures have drawn a lot of criticism. Many people are upset with how the company announced the closures, specifically the short notice and the perceived insensitivity of offering coupons alongside closing notices while employees face job losses. Adding to the frustration, the CEO, Ryan Cohen, stands to potentially gain a significant $35 billion through stock options, which has sparked further outrage.

GameStop Location Closures

As a big GameStop fan, I’ve been following the news about store closures, and it’s really upsetting. A fan-run page is keeping track, and right now they’ve confirmed 296 stores are closing, with another 58 potentially closing as well. It’s a lot of stores, and I’m worried about the future.

Game Stores Keep Disappearing

Many people reacting to these closures are saying they’ve lost access to local game stores. For some, the nearest GameStop is now over thirty minutes away, which isn’t practical when it’s so easy to buy games online. While GameStop is likely closing underperforming stores due to costs like rent, this is creating ‘game store deserts’ and could lead to fewer people buying physical copies of games in stores.

For a lot of gamers, buying games from a physical store is a beloved tradition filled with happy memories. Many have stumbled upon new favorites simply by browsing the shelves, and others cherish the experience of waiting in line for the latest console or game release. While there are downsides – like not finding what you need or dealing with long lines – physical game stores offer a unique choice that would be lost if they disappeared. There are benefits and drawbacks to both physical and digital purchases, but stores provide an important option for players.

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2026-01-09 06:34