{"id":76126,"date":"2020-03-19T16:18:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T20:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/4444a5be56325914f9ab4c34f090441b"},"modified":"2020-03-19T16:18:00","modified_gmt":"2020-03-19T20:18:00","slug":"gamestop-will-keep-stores-open-even-if-it-defies-state-government-orders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gamespot.com\/articles\/gamestop-will-keep-stores-open-even-if-it-defies-s\/1100-6474984\/","title":{"rendered":"GameStop Will Keep Stores Open, Even If It Defies State Government Orders","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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GameStop has issued a memo to its stores instructing them to remain open during the coronavirus outbreak<\/a>, even if that policy defies state orders. According to the note, if authorities attempt to shut down the games retailer by deeming them “non-essential,” managers are to respond that the company views it as “essential retail.” The instructions included a flyer to hand to law enforcement in case the need arises.<\/p>\n

Vice<\/a> reports that the memo was verified by five employees. The retail chain’s reasoning is that video games are especially helpful during this time when customers are being ordered to maintain social distancing. Though, continuing to remain open at all runs contrary to social distancing, and employees will need to interface with several customers, posing a potential public health risk.<\/p>\n

“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,” the memo states. “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 linked below to law enforcement as needed.”<\/p>\n

Though many states have issued guidance for citizens to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds, a few like Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have issued orders to shut down non-essential businesses. Some retailers have announced temporary shutdowns voluntarily, but GameStop has planned to remain open. This comes during a big week for the industry with the dual launches of Animal Crossing: New Horizons<\/a> and Doom Eternal<\/a>. To mitigate crowds, the retailer canceled midnight launch events and staggered its sale dates<\/a> for each game, going so far as to begin selling Doom a day early.<\/p>\n

Shortly after the internal memo made the rounds online, GameStop published a list of action it’s taken to reduce risks. <\/p>\n

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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<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/d99kxviz7Q<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 GameStop (@GameStop) March 19, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n