Gamestop Starting 2026 with Major Store Closures Across 42 States

In efforts to reduce operational costs, GameStop is significantly downsizing its physical retail footprint. This move aligns with CEO Ryan Cohen's strategy of reaching a monumental stock valuation milestone.

CEO's Ambitious Financial Targets

GameStop CEO, Ryan Cohen, has an ambitious goal: to earn $35 billion through stock options. Achieving this requires increasing the company’s market value to $100 billion. A critical part of this strategy involves reducing expenses, notably by closing numerous store locations.

Store Closures as a Financial Strategy

During the fiscal year of 2024, GameStop shut down 590 of its stores. The company indicated in its SEC filings that it anticipates additional closures in the fiscal year 2025, which concludes at the end of January. These steps are part of a broader effort to streamline operations as they aim to cease operations at over 430 stores this month.

Current and Future Store Shutdowns

As of January 11th, the inventory of GameStop's scheduled closures reaches 435 stores spanning 42 states. As of February 2025, the company's operational base has contracted significantly. Concurrently, GameStop continues to wind down its global operations, having already vacated several international markets, including Canada and multiple European nations. A planned exit from France is also on the horizon within the year.

The Impact and CEO Pay Potential

Despite setbacks in recent years, GameStop appears to have regained some financial footing. However, these closures are poised to leave thousands without jobs, underscoring the stark target of financial achievement for the executives involved. Formal commentary from GameStop remains unavailable at this time.