Popular video game store closing up to 200 locations

GameStop is expected to close 200 stores in the next two years.

GameStop is expected to close 200 stores in the next two years.

GameStop continues to struggle with weak earnings as it tries to navigate a digital world, causing the upcoming closure of 180 to 200 stores.

The company, which saw sales in the second quarter decrease 14.3 percent to $1.3 billion, has been struggling as more gamers download digital copies of games and subscription services grow in popularity. Same store sales dropped 11.6 percent, the company announced this week.

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On a conference call with investors, company leaders said the retailer would be closing between 180 and 200 stores, according to multiple media reports.

Most of the “underperforming” closures will come in the next 12 to 24 months.

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New hardware sales including game consoles dropped more than 41 percent, which the company blamed on announcements of next generation console launches next year; software sales declined 5.3 percent; accessories sales decreased 9.5 percent; and pre-owned sales dropped 17.5 percent.

GameStop has been working in recent months to turn around its operation and strengthen the organization. But it decreased its total annual outlook, saying it expects sales decreases in the teens rather than the 5 to 10 percent previously expected.

There are several GameStop store in the Dayton region, including in both the Dayton Mall and Mall at Fairfield Commons. The Dayton Daily News has reached out to GameStop to see if any local stores will close.

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