[UPDATE: GameStop has issued a statement to its employees confirming that it will be closing all of its stores in California, a day after the game retailer claimed it was "essential retail" and would be would remain open. The official statement (via Kotaku) states “We are closing our stores in California. The closure will remain in effect until further notice as we obtain more information from the California Governor’s Office.”]
Video game retailer GameStop is forcing physical locations to remain open in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, citing its apparent status as an "essential retail" location as a means to circumvent local law enforcement attempting to shut stores down. The coronavirus outbreak has lead to sweeping changes to the way consumers go about their daily lives and has dramatically impacted every industry around the world, with video games no exception.
In the case of video games, however, many of the products offered outside of essential hardware like consoles can be purchased, downloaded, and accessed digitally, bypassing the need to leave the house and providing relief for those affected by quarantine measures. COVID-19 has certainly impacted some video game consumers, with those expecting physical copies of major releases like Final Fantasy 7 Remake likely to experience delays in their shipments. However, most fans have united under the circumstances, with titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons providing some much needed escape from the grim news that's prevalent in the real world.
Unfortunately for GameStop employees, however, it appears the retailer does not want its workforce to experience that same relief and safety. According to a report from Kotaku, GameStop informed employees earlier this afternoon that it will be forcing them to keep physical locations open even during lockdown. The company is citing the fact that it believes it is an "essential retail" service as a reason it should be exempt from closures. For reference, accepted essential retail services are locations like grocery stores and pharmacies.
GameStop is even prepared to fight local law enforcement on any attempts at closing physical locations, instructing employees to have police officers contact GameStop's corporate headquarters if they believe the retailer should be shut down in the wake of one of the most devastating modern pandemics in recent memory. GameStop has made headlines for years now thanks to plummeting stock and struggles to keep up with a market that's going increasingly digital. GameStop recently attempted to remodel its in-store experience in order to stem the bleeding caused by the fact that many people choose to either order games online or download digital copies.
Regardless of GameStop's current financial situation, however, attempting to cite itself as an essential retail location is bizarre at best and much more sinister at worst. With most governments agreeing that it's best for citizens to remain isolated to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it's irresponsible for a nation-wide United States company to instruct its employees to remain open - and to argue with local law enforcement if they're questioned. For a company that's already struggling to remain viewed in a positive light, the GameStop coronavirus decision could be the final nail in the retailer's large, non-essential coffin.
Source: Kotaku