GameStop, the American videogame retail company that also operates Micromania-Zing in Europe and EB Games in Canada, reportedly told all its stores to remain open, even in the event of a state or city lockdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Additionally, the company allegedly advised its employees to argue with the authorities that GameStop was "essential retail," like supermarkets or pharmacies, because it provides services that make the experience of working from home more enjoyable.

"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," GameStop apparently told its employees in a memo obtained by Kotaku. "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."

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GameStop employees had already complained about the mediocre measures that the company was taking to protect employees and customers; while the sent a message to customers reassuring them that it was taking all the necessary steps to prevent contagion in their stores, employees noted that GameStop had not provided them with any cleaning supplies or hand sanitizer and that, although they were allowed to purchase and expense it, there just weren't enough supplies available, with backlogs of up to two months.

Another memo advised employees to stay home if they were experiencing coronavirus symptoms, but some employees also told VICE that instead of allowing for an emergency, GameStop is forcing them to use their personal time off, vacation and sick days, with no pay in place.

Finally, GameStop doesn't have a clear policy about its in-store demo stations -- paid for by companies like Sony or Microsoft -- where customers can usually try out new systems and games. While at first the employees were advised to turn them off, a more recent memo asked them to turn them back on because they had been paid for and to regularly wipe them down with disinfectant towels, which were not provided.

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