The North American chain was defined as essential commerce and has maintained a tug-of-war with the different authorities.
That a pandemic such as the coronavirus puts the economic fabric in check is a risk that many governments of the world have decided to take by confining citizens in their homes. In order to avoid the spread of COVID-19, non-essential businesses have had to close their doors, something that companies like GameStop, the chain of video game stores, have had a hard time doing. After challenging the authorities, they ended up closing their stores in the United States, but Kotaku publishes that they are already preparing to reopen.
Through a statement, the company reveals its intention to reactivate its business in different countries. "The company has begun the reopening process in Italy, Germany, Austria and the states of South Carolina and Georgia," the statement said. "We are preparing the potential reopening in other countries and states in the coming weeks."
We are proud to team up with our gaming industry peers to support @ WHO’s physical distancing message to fight the spread of COVID-19. It’s time to #PlayApartTogether! pic.twitter.com/4phJew8h5S
– GameStop (@GameStop) April 14, 2020
Lower wages among managers
The chain, which currently has no presence in Spain, has also announced additional measures, such as lowering managers' salaries. That being the case, GameStop CEO George Sherman will see his salary temporarily reduced by 50%. The rest of the leaders, among whom is Jim Bell, chief financial officer, will lower their salary by 30%, while Reggie-Fils-Aimé, ex-president of Nintendo, has accepted a reduction of 50%.
The Boston Globo picked up the rifirrafe between companies and Boston city authorities weeks ago, when police discovered that some stores in the chain were still open. Faced with this situation, they ordered the closure of their establishment in Dorchester. A day later, officers came to the scene to confirm whether they had complied with the provision.
In Spain, after the declaration of the state of alarm on March 14, the Government forced the closure of non-essential trade, which includes video game stores. Companies like GAME had to close their doors and they still remain that way, although their online business area still works.
