It’s been two years since GameStop’s stock was skyrocketed to fame with the help of Reddit, and once again the video game retailer is causing a stir across the internet.
In a viral video that has amassed over 6.3 million views, a manager from a physical GameStop location is shedding light on the grim reality of working at the company.
Red, the TikTok user behind the video, highlights the clearance sale signs that are posted throughout the store, indicating that business is slow. The bleak outlook is only compounded by the news of corporate layoffs that have already begun to take place.
GameStop’s shift away from retail is no surprise to anyone who’s been keeping up with the company’s latest endeavors. In their 2021 annual report, the retailer claimed that they were focusing on becoming a “customer-obsessed technology company to delight gamers,” a plan that involved strengthening their e-commerce presence.
However, the transformation hasn’t been smooth, with significant shakeups occurring within the company, as mentioned in Red’s video. Recent news of a Kentucky-based distribution center shutting down adds to the list of changes happening at GameStop.
RetailDive reports that these moves were likely made in the interest of the company’s bottom line, with GameStop’s CEO, Matt Furlong, expressing a desire to prioritize profitability in the near future. This shift in focus means that the company will need to be strategic in allocating resources towards their core business.
Red’s video on TikTok has struck a chord with users, many of whom have fond memories of GameStop in its prime. One user commented, lamenting the state of the retailer and recalling their own experience working as a manager at GameStop, saying, “This hurts my soul. I worked at a GS as a manager for 7+ yrs back in the day and it used to be the place to be.”
Another user, who used to work at Blockbuster, showed solidarity with the GameStop employees, stating, “As a former Blockbuster manager, I salute thee.”
Some users chimed in with their thoughts on why they believe GameStop’s performance is suffering. One commenter pointed out that the store’s prices may be a factor in their decline, saying, “They are unfortunately too expensive when you can buy the games cheaper on Amazon.”
Another user longed for the days when GameStop was more focused on games than merchandise, explaining, “Just kinda wish it was less of a merch store and more of a GAME store. Used to walk in and grab one new game and like 5 used games.”
Finally, a third user recalled a negative experience with the retailer, offering a somewhat humorous take on GameStop’s current predicament, “Karma, my brother wanted to sell his DS with 12 games and offered him $30 bucks and he said ‘hell no’ and then they want to sell a used game for $20.”
Red elaborated on the current status of her GameStop location:
I don’t know why everyone in the comments thinks [we’re closing] lol. Tons of GameStop stores have closed over the years and recently. Currently, there are stores going through closure in other cities/states, but the employees are being told to still push reservations for games coming out after the store will be closed. It’s a little disgusting on corporates part.
Her relationship with the job has changed over time:
I have been at GameStop since 2005 (quit twice and came back). I’ve been a manager since about 2009/2010. GameStop used to be a great job; I love the people I work with and some of my best friends are former coworkers,” she shared. “How can you not like this job? You literally sell happiness.
Corporate has slowly killed this company over the years beginning with the purchase of ThinkGeek and the forcing of phone trades,” she stated. “I love selling games and talking to customers about gaming. It’s my passion. However, I refuse to lie to customers and tell them they need to have xyz or tell them they need to have the membership card to get price-matching. I would much rather have a happy return customer rather than nickel-and-dime them.
I love helping people, creating a happy moment and making that connection. It’s my dream to run a gaming store of my own one day, and I will miss GameStop when I eventually leave.
