GameStop

The struggling video game retailer GameStop has tried everything possible to remain open during the COVID-19 outbreak, but as of 22nd March will be closing all access to physical stores across the US.

An official PR explains how for all locations not already closed in accordance with state and local orders, the company will temporarily stop customer access to storefronts. It will now process orders on a digital-only basis, move to curbside pick-up at stores and eCommerce delivery only. This will allow the company to continue to serve customers who purchased online and requested a product pick-up at a local store.

GameStop Chief Executive Officer George Sherman said the priority was the well-being of 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.

All employees have been ensured that they "do not have to work if they are not comfortable" and should remain at home if they feel sick. The company also said it would pay all American employees whose work hours have been eliminated an additional two weeks at their regular pay rate based on average hours worked in the last 10 weeks. The company will also reimburse all benefit-eligible employees based in America, one month of the employee portion of benefit expenses.

GameStop will provide more details about its operations in its fourth-quarter fiscal year 2019 results next week on 26th March.

[source news.gamestop.com]