GameStop shuts down Massachusetts stores after telling employees to wrap hands in plastic and go back to work

[Maddox]

GameStop has closed all its stores in Massachusetts, after instructing employees last week to wrap their hands in plastic bags and give customers their orders through a crack in the door.

The business does not provide an essential service and is not allowed to offer curbside pickup during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the state, which ordered all nonessential businesses to shut down as of March 24. And yet GameStop continued operating, allowing customers who couldn’t make online orders to pay for and pick up games at the door.

If there were no gloves, employees were instructed via e-mail 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.”

But after operating for several days in violation of the state's shutdown order, on Tuesday the inspectional services department for the City of Boston ordered the Dorchester store to close immediately. No fine was issued but a nuisance order was issued and the inspector visited the store on Wednesday to ensure it had not reopened, according to the city. On Thursday, GameStop confirmed that it had closed all its stores in Massachusetts but did not respond to further questions.

It's unclear if the company is still operating in other states.

After instructing employees to wrap their hands in plastic bags and go back to work, GameStop shuts down Mass. stores - The Boston Globe

After operating for several days in violation of the state's shutdown order, on Tuesday the inspectional services department for the City of Boston ordered the Dorchester store to close immediately.

www.bostonglobe.com

 

[Paladin]

I'm glad the city stepped in and put an end to GameStop's nonsense. The ironic thing was how they tried masquerading themselves off as "essential services." Good riddance.

 

[Abizaga]

Good. Gamestop CEOs needs to learn they aren't above the law.

 

[Swordmasterman]

The US aren't going to prevent the virus from spreading unless everyone obey the law!
In Brazil, people are dying and are being labelled as "unknown deaths".

 

[Demon_skeith]

I think most game stop stores have already closed or gone to curb side pick up only.

 

[Nova]

US did the most stupid thing, knowing how chinese have made this thing viral and how the italy and spain suffered in this. They could have taken the things more seriously. But they did not do that. But it seems like this is one thing we will learn from the history now if things go bad.

 

[WildWorldGames]

They took away Gamestop's selling license here in my state.

Honestly, GameStop has ALWAYS been a bottom of the barrel chain. You're better off going to a mom and pop's store or ordering online than going into their god forsaken overly priced used games bin.