GameStop may shut down all its stores in Ireland in the near future. The retailer’s operational history, past few announcements, and the recent policy changes suggest the inevitable closure of its branches. It’s not new to see GameStop stores shutdown and downsize strategically since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, a doomsday year for many businesses. The company has also downsized its workforce to cut down on expenses to keep playing as a physical retailer in the ever-rising e-commerce market.
Closure of GameStop Services at Irish Stores
In a recent notice, GameStop announced the closure of its key services in all the Irish Stores. These services include the sale of gift cards, trade-in and purchase of used devices and accessories, GameStop Pro Loyalty services, Game Protection, and pre-orders of products. No doubt, the removal of such key services will affect the customers in the region. It’s a clear sign of the video game retailer’s intentions and eventual plans for the region. Some services ceased are key features for the consumers, including pre-ordering games and enjoying the bonuses. The stores will also cease to trade in used devices and accessories. This will severely hamper their stand in the used commodities market and eventually lead to GameStop shutting down the stores.
Ceasing the services may be the correct step if the retailer is looking to create an appropriate exit from the region. Looking at the number of branches in Ireland, it will be a difficult scenario for the locals. Some people still love to physically buy games and other things related to gaming.
Where does the Giant Retailer Stand
After a huge slump in their business during the pandemic, GameStop has made a good return in the market. However, the increasing size of e-commerce sites like Amazon poses a tremendous threat to the retailer. Although the retailer has shown good numbers in 2022’s fourth quarter, it hasn’t been a smooth sail for the giant. It always had plans to cut costs in parts of Europe, and the downsizing measures have paid off in the short run. It’s indisputable that Q4 results and balance sheets are just numbers on blank sheets. What’s really important is GameStop’s scramble to survive. We have seen GameStop stores shutdown in various parts of the globe. It is a world where people like to sit on their couches and want to order stuff to be delivered to their doorsteps.
