After insisting that they were “essential retail” among the lock-downs across America, Gamestop will finally close its doors to customers temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently sweeping the world.
In a notice to customers and retail workers, Gamestop said that its stores would now move towards a digital only basis, moving to curbside pick-up at stores as well as delivering items to customers homes. This means that customers will no longer be able to access any of the stores in the United States. Customers will need to pre-order their products via the GameStop website or app, and will then be able to head to their local store and pickup the item from outside the store.
Further to this, GameStop also said that all U.S GameStop employees would not need to work if they don’t feel comfortable. The company will pay all employees whose hours have been eliminated an additional two weeks at their regular pay rate, based on the average hours worked in the last 10 weeks. The company will also reimburse all benefit eligible employees, one month of the employee portion of benefit expenses.
The full statement from GameStop can be found below:
Effective Sunday March 22, 2020, for all locations not already closed in accordance with state and local orders, GameStop will temporarily stop customer access to storefronts, processing orders on a digital only basis, moving to curbside pick-up at stores and eCommerce delivery only. This will allow the Company to continue to serve customers who have purchased online at GameStop.com and the GameStop app and have requested a product pick-up at their local store.
George Sherman, GameStop’s Chief Executive Officer said, “This is an unprecedented time and each day brings new information about the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority has been and continues to be on the well-being of our employees, customers and business partners. We have been steadfast in our adherence to CDC-guided safety and local government orders for retailers in each of our communities. As millions of Americans look to GameStop to adjust to their new normal of increased time at home, for work, learning and play, we have implemented practices to help ensure the safety and health of our employees, customers and partners. We believe it is prudent to institute further safety protocols while meeting this increased demand through curbside pick-up. As such, stores that remain in operation will provide only pick-up at the door or delivery to home activities to further protect our employees and customers.”
The Company will continue to offer its products online at GameStop.com and on the GameStop app for customers to have their products shipped directly to their homes.
All U.S.GameStop employees have been ensured that they do not have to work if they are not comfortable and should stay home if they feel sick. Additionally, the Company has announced it will pay all U.S. employees whose hours have been eliminated an additional two weeks at their regular pay rate based on the average hours worked in the last 10 weeks. In addition, the Company will reimburse all benefit eligible U.S. employees, one month of the employee portion of benefit expenses.
