GameStop has been making headlines recently for its treatment of employees. Well, the saga continues as news breaks about the company closing its doors.
Companies across the world have closed their doors to protect workers and consumers as the COVID-19 infection grows. Gamestop CEO George Sherman said in a letter that starting tomorrow the stores will be closed to customers before moving to a “delivery at the door” transaction for the locations that stay operational.
Like a nerdy drug trade-off, buyers can purchase games online or with the store’s app, then pick up the game curbside. If it’ll be slid under the door or thrown from the steps at customers like Jazz from The Fresh Prince has yet to be seen.
This week has been a big one for the company as Animal Crossing and Doom: Eternal released. Oh, also news broke that they were basically telling employees to ignore news about the virus.
 Employees Might Need a 1-Up
GameStop has been in the news lately for their employees voicing concerns over not having the cleaning items the company said they would supply. Gamestop advised the workers to buy the items and they would reimburse them in a world where toilet paper is often not on the shelves.
Then, as the states start shutting down businesses to combat the viruses spread, GameStop remained open since it considering itself “essential retail.”
Earlier this week, the company appeared to tell workers on a conference call to ignore major news developments of the virus. A manager on the call asked about if they’re accepting trade-ins still and the reply received was that since the government accepts cash being traded, games are treated like cash.
“Apparently the World Health Organization…said that you really shouldn’t take cash, you could spread it[COVID-19]. The government hasn’t really commented on that. In terms of the trades, we’re still gonna take them in without a doubt,” the unidentified higher up said.
There is some good news for the workers as Sherman also mentioned in the letter that employees at closed stores or closing locations that are eligible for it will receive 80 extra hours of paid time off. While, those that aren’t eligible will get two extra weeks of pay.
As the virus continues to affect many industries from movies being postponed to productions being shut down, we’ll keep you updated on the latest.
What did you think of GameStop’s handling of the virus? What games are you playing at the moment? Leave a comment!
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