GameStop has closed all of its stores in Massachusetts, including any curbside service, according to The Boston Globe. The closure also comes after a report that GameStop leadership instructed employees to wrap their hands in plastic or wear gloves while handing off orders to customers.
The state of Massachusetts ordered all nonessential businesses to close on March 24. GameStop pushed back against the closure order by saying it provided an essential service, a statement that appeared to apply to GameStop stores across the U.S.
After keeping stores operational despite the state government’s order, the inspectional services department for the City of Boston ordered GameStop’s Dorchester location to close. The Boston Globe reports that no fine was issued to GameStop, but a nuisance order was issued, and the inspector followed up by visiting the store location on Wednesday to ensure the store had actually closed.
GameStop confirmed to Boston Globe it had closed all Massachusetts stores on Thursday.
It’s unclear If GameStop has fully shut down stores in other states, except for California, where GameStop eventually relented and followed the governor’s shutdown order. IGN has reached out to GameStop for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
GameStop in the News Timeline
Facing increasing pressure and criticism last month, GameStop finally relented and closed the physical storefronts of all U.S. locations on March 23, announcing the decision in a press release. Despite the announcement, many stores continued to offer curbside pickup for customer orders. According to Boston Globe, this included employees being instructed to either wear gloves or wrap their hands in plastic shopping bags while handing orders to customers through the crack in a door.
According to Boston Globe, In a company email, GameStop employees were specifically instructed to “lightly (you want to be able to get it off easily) tape a Game Stop plastic bag over your hand and arm. Do not open the door all the way — keep the glass between you and the guest’s face — just reach out your arm.”
GameStop still has some pretty lofty plans to save itself as a company, but like a lot of businesses throughout America, it’s coming under increasing strain to remain afloat.
GameStop is set to permanently close 300 stores this year after more financial struggles.
Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN.
