Kotaku first got its hands on the memo making the rounds: “Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home, we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time.”. Kyle Orland “Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home,” a memo to GameStop staff previously stated. GameStop corporate issuing many of its demands by phone to avoid paper trails (like the one that just got leaked). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. If the pandemic doesn’t shut them down for good, no one should ever forget what they’ve done during this time, putting their employees and customers in harm’s way under the pretext that they are some heroic supplier of emergency computer monitors and mice. “This is an unprecedented time and each day brings new information about the COVID-19 pandemic. GameStop says it has suspended its lucrative trade-in business over concerns of the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19. Start your day with the top stories you missed while you were sleeping. Ars may earn compensation on sales from links on this site. Stock Advisor launched in February of 2002. But it’s not clear a company that operates like this should exist at all. Still, GameStop is hardly the kind of retailer that needs to stay open during a pandemic. Charlie Baker to issue stay at home advisory, closing all non-essential businesses, Coronavirus in Massachusetts: Grocery stores must mark ‘social distancing line,’ close remaining self-serve food stations, Visit MassLive.com, Springfield, Mass. And if you're looking for physical hardware, there's no shortage of e-commerce outlets that offer home delivery, even in this crisis. There are exemptions for businesses to stay open. "Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers' experience in working from home," reads the memo, "we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time," the memo says. GameStop stores are being told to remain open and should be considered essential business during the coronavirus outbreak. © 2020 Forbes Media LLC. Returns as of 11/12/2020. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Video game retailer GameStop (NYSE:GME) is trying a curious move to keep stores open during the coronavirus quarantines and lockdowns. GameStop will pull the plug on keeping its stores open over the coronavirus pandemic despite staying open in recent weeks. Those who violate the executive order and guidance in Massachusetts could face a $300 fine and, if multiple offenses are alleged, a $500 fine or prison time, according to the state Department of Public Health’s guidance on the executive order. No games or consoles. But the actual situation inside the stores themselves seems less encouraging. Follow Anders on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+. We encourage you to read our updated PRIVACY POLICY and COOKIE POLICY. Pick up my new sci-fi novel Herokiller, and read my first series, The Earthborn Trilogy, which is also on audiobook. Still, GameStop is hardly the kind of retailer that needs to stay open during a pandemic. That's not too surprising, as more people are looking for additional indoor entertainment while they either work from home or shelter in quarantine amid the virus's spread. ", “They are demanding standard trades and tech trades so we are handling a lot of unknown goods,” a separate GameStop worker told Polygon. You may opt-out by. The company says it … After COVID-19 prompted the closure of numerous GameStop locations around the world, the retailer today announced its first steps to re-open those stores. GameStop is instructing its retail employees to keep stores open, even in the face of local authorities who would seek to shut them down over coronavirus-related lockdowns. "While there are many businesses and organizations far more critical than ours, we believe we can have a positive impact during this very challenging time," the statement continues, adding that "we are complying with all state, county, city and local ordinances and we will continue to adjust to any future developments. at www.masslive.com. As millions of Americans face unprecedented challenges adapting to virtual learning, working and interaction, there is significant need for technology solutions and we are one of many providers of these products that are remaining open at this time. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Coronavirus and gaming: GameStop initially remained open during shut-down, told employees to wrap hands in plastic bags and go back to work By Douglas Hook, masslive.com 3/28/2020 It makes sense that GameStop is trying to stay open at all costs, but it's not going to work.