GameStop Starts 2026 With Mass Store Closures and a $35B CEO Pay Plan
GameStop reportedly began 2026 by shuttering up to 296 US stores in the first week, with signs offering a 20% trade-in bonus if customers visit other GameStop locations. The closures may be connected to CEO Ryan Cohen’s at-risk pay package, which could total $35 billion if the company reaches a $100 billion market cap, distributed in nine tranches starting at $20 billion. Separately, RNZ reports GameStop is considering ending EB Games in New Zealand, potentially closing 38 stores pending a full consultation with affected staff.