GameStop Declares Itself "Essential Retail," Remains Open During Coronavirus Outbreak

GameStop, the video game retailer behind such rip-offs as an $80 trade-in for perfectly-fine PS4, has declared itself "essential retail" and will remain open during the coronavirus outbreak. The controversial move places the company in the same tier as grocery stores and pharmacies during the ongoing health crisis, making a used copy of Katamari Damacy Reroll up there with an insulin prescription.

Should law enforcement attempt to question GameStop's "essential retail" status, the company has informed employees to provide authorities with a note indicating "classified as essential retail and therefore can remain open during this time." The flier comes complete with a phone number for GameStop's corporate office, as reported by VICE.

The Twitter account @Nintendeal published a copy of the memo and the notice to the police yesterday afternoon,

"We have received reports of local authorities visiting stores in an attempt to enforce closure despite our classification. Store managers are approved to provide the document [attached] to law enforcement as needed." pic.twitter.com/6jib0ro8uM

— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) March 19, 2020

The company, however, argues that in addition to video games, their stores offer several communication devices that "facilitate remote work, distance learning, and virtual connectivity." In response to Vice's report, GameStop issued the following statement:

While GameStop is best known as a provider of gaming and home entertainment systems, we also offer a wide array of products and devices that are important to facilitate remote work, distance learning, and virtual connectivity. As millions of Americans face unprecedented challenges adapting to virtual learning, working and interaction, there is significant need for technology solutions and we are one of many providers of these products that are remaining open at this time. Schools, businesses and families are now suddenly dependent on being able to connect through technology. While there are many businesses and organizations far more critical than ours, we believe we can have a positive impact during this very challenging time. The health and safety of our employees and customers is of utmost importance and we have and will continue to take extensive precautions consistent with CDC guidelines. We are complying with all state, county, city and local ordinances and we will continue to adjust to any future developments.

We are working diligently during this unprecedented time to provide our customers & associates with the safest environment possible. Please see below for details on new changes we are enacting & click here for our full statement: https://t.co/qP9jDQUmjs pic.twitter.com/d99kxviz7Q

— GameStop (@GameStop) March 19, 2020

The move isn't going over well. Many people online are criticizing the company for endangering their employees for the sale of Funko Pop figurines and Rick and Morty t-shirts.

In a memo to staff today obtained by Kotaku, GameStop said: “Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home, we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time" (!!!!)

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) March 19, 2020

I went to our local GameStop this week and it was one young staffer manning the whole store wearing gloves and a mask.

GameStop shouldn't be open. Staff don't need to shoulder that risk to peddle webcams and keyboards and games. https://t.co/pzPoqy81Pn

— Alissa McAloon (@Gliitchy) March 19, 2020

GameStop marking itself essential reminds me of the Waffle House Index.
Basically the waffle chain has so many backup systems to be open 24/7 that FEMA unofficially uses their status to rate disasters like hurricanes.
I think in this case GameStop will go broke if they close. https://t.co/IJhx4JoSro

— Mandalore (@Lord_Mandalore) March 19, 2020

Florida Spring Breakers: NOBODY can do more to promote a rude stereotype than we can

GameStop: Hold my Mountain Dew

— AllInThisTogetherHat (@Popehat) March 19, 2020

Others, however, just want to get Animal Crossing and other video games they've been waiting, like, a really long time for.

Waiting for Gamestop to open so I can go pick up Animal Crossing. pic.twitter.com/SuLPzCBlDG

— Mogg (@Mousey_Mogg) March 20, 2020

If gamestop closes when FFVIIR drops I would probably cry. I know it's for our safety but I been waiting for the game for a long time. 😢 pic.twitter.com/PjDlOF6OOu

— V.C. (@VC_Gamez7) March 20, 2020

I have to wait for GameStop to open and I have never itched this bad for a game!!! pic.twitter.com/oSn1q5oNwO

— Cindy 🐙 (@radialwhisper) March 20, 2020

Me going to gamestop to get animal crossing on Friday morning pic.twitter.com/sTkIAiII3h

— 🌞 sarah ! 🌞 (@nelltxt) March 17, 2020