GameStop exec shares what job looks like and calls for layoffs

Two years after Reddit publicized GameStop stock nationally (and hit record highs), GameStop is once again sparking discussion around the internet.

In a viral video with over 6.3 million views on Saturday, TikTok user Red (@redsonjattv) shares what she thinks it’s like to be a manager at a physical GameStop location. The prospects are not great.

“Everything on clearance,” she writes in the text that overlays the video. “Nobody is coming in anymore and the corporate layoffs have started.”

@redsonjattv Other #gamestopemployees it was a privilege. I guess I go by ship at #retailproblems #gamestop #titanic #lesbiansoftiktok #gamer ♬ Nearer My God to Thee – I Salonisti

The move away from retail shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been following GameStop. In the company’s 2021 annual report, the company claimed it was “focused on transforming itself into a customer-centric technology company to delight gamers,” which included strengthening its e-commerce presence.

Since then, the company has undergone major restructuring, including a series of layoffs, as mentioned in Red’s video. The company also appears to have recently closed a distribution center in Kentucky.

According to RetailDive, those moves were likely a result of the company’s recent focus on profitability.

“Looking ahead, we have two overarching priorities: achieving near-term profitability and driving pragmatic growth over the long term,” CEO Matt Furlong said when speaking to investors, per RetailDive. “[W]We will be very careful about how we allocate capital to the core business.”

On TikTok, Red’s video inspired users to share their thoughts on the happier days of GameStop.

“It hurts my heart,” wrote one user. “I worked at a GS as a manager for over 7 years at the time and that used to be the right place.”

“As a former Blockbuster executive, I salute you,” added another.

Some gave reasons why they felt the store appeared to be underperforming.

“Unfortunately they are too expensive when you can buy the games cheaper on Amazon,” noted one commenter.

“I just wish it was less of a merch store and more of a GAME store,” explained a second. “I used to come in and grab a new game and liked 5 used games.”

“Karma, my brother wanted to sell his DS with 12 games and offered him $30 and he said ‘hell no’ and then they wanted to sell a used game for $20,” recalled a third party.

We contacted GameStop and Red via email.

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