Editing GameStop (section)

===Expansion (2004–2016)===
[[File:Line at gamestop.jpg|200px|thumb|Customers lined up outside of a GameStop store in 2006 for the launch of the [[Wii]]]]
[[File:GameStop on Powell St., SF interior.JPG|200px|thumb|Interior of a GameStop store in [[San Francisco]] in 2010]]
[[File:GameStop (14666287269).jpg|200px|thumb|A store in [[Manchester, Connecticut]] in 2014]]

====Acquisitions====
* In 2005, GameStop acquired [[EB Games]] (formerly Electronics Boutique) for $1.44 billion. This expanded GameStop's operations into Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand. GameStop's operations expanded to over 4,250 stores worldwide as a result of the acquisition.<ref name="ebgames">{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-and-electronics-boutique-stockholders-approve-merger|title=GameStop and Electronics Boutique Stockholders Approve Merger; Strategic Acquisition Positions GameStop as a Leading Global Video Game Retailer|publisher=GameStop|date=6 October 2005|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> 
* In 2007, GameStop acquired Rhino Video Games, who operated 70 video game stores throughout the [[Southeastern United States]], from [[Blockbuster (retailer)|Blockbuster]] for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.chron.com/news/article/PRN-Blockbuster-Reaches-Agreement-to-Sell-Rhino-1576798.php |title=Blockbuster Reaches Agreement to Sell Rhino Video Games to GameStop |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |via=[[Houston Chronicle]] |date=January 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ransom-Wiley |first=J. |date=January 8, 2007 |title=Confirmed: Rhino sold to GameStop |work=[[Engadget]] |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-01-08-confirmed-rhino-sold-to-gamestop.html}}</ref> 
* In April 2008, GameStop acquired [[Free Record Shop]]'s 49 Norwegian stores.<ref name="freerecord">{{cite news | url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/gamestop-to-acquire-norways-free-record-shop | title=GameStop to acquire Norway's Free Record Shop | first=Michael | last=Kitchen | work=[[MarketWatch]] | date=March 31, 2008 | url-access=limited}}</ref> 
* In October 2008, GameStop acquired [[Micromania (video game retailer)|Micromania]], a French video-game retailer, for $700 million.<ref name="micromania_1">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/2008/10/gamestop-acquir/ | title=GameStop Acquires French Retailer Micromania | first=Jean | last=Snow | magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | date=October 2, 2008}}</ref><ref name="micromania_2">{{cite news | url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/gamestop-to-buy-french-game-retailer-micromania | title=GameStop to buy French video game retailer | first=Dan | last=Gallagher | work=[[MarketWatch]] | date=October 1, 2008 | url-access=limited}}</ref> GameStop, which had previously owned no stores in France, now had 332 French video-game stores.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122286055191593939 | title=GameStop to Buy French Videogame Retailer | first=Kerry E. | last=Grace | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | date=October 1, 2008 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
* In November 2009, it acquired a majority stake in [[Jolt Online Gaming]], an Irish [[browser game]] studio.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/companies/gamestop-acquires-stake-in-jolt-online | title=GameStop acquires stake in JOLT Online | first=John | last=Kennedy | work=[[Silicon Republic]] | date=November 9, 2009}}</ref> Jolt closed in 2012.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.businesspost.ie/legacy/collins-sells-stake-in-jolt-games-cf77164b | title=Collins sells stake in Jolt games | first=Ian | last=Kehoe | work=[[Business Post]] | date=November 8, 2009 | access-date=April 20, 2021 | archive-date=April 20, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420144927/https://www.businesspost.ie/legacy/collins-sells-stake-in-jolt-games-cf77164b | url-status=dead }}</ref>
* In 2010, GameStop acquired [[Kongregate]], a [[San Francisco]]–based website for browser-based games.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wingfield |first=Nick |date=July 28, 2010 |title=GameStop to Acquire Online Distributor |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703292704575393484261263498 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 27, 2010 |title=GameStop Acquires Social Gaming Site Kongregate |work=[[TechCrunch]] |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/07/27/gamestop-kongregate/}}</ref> In 2017, it was sold for $55 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=June 20, 2017 |title=MTG buys GameStop's mobile game publisher Kongregate for $55 million |work=[[VentureBeat]] |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/20/mtg-buys-gamestops-mobile-game-publisher-kongregate-for-55-million/}}</ref>
* In 2011, GameStop acquired Spawn Labs and [[Impulse (software)|Impulse]] in separate transactions.<ref name="spawnimpulse">{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110331006835/en/GameStop-Announces-Acquisition-of-Spawn-Labs-and-Agreement-to-Acquire-Impulse-Inc. |title=GameStop Announces Acquisition of Spawn Labs and Agreement to Acquire Impulse, Inc. |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |date=March 31, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jenkins |first=David |date=April 1, 2011 |title=GameStop to acquire Stardock's Impulse download service |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-04-01-gamestop-to-acquire-stardocks-impulse-download-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202185232/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-04-01-gamestop-to-acquire-stardocks-impulse-download-service |archive-date=February 2, 2021}}</ref> Spawn Labs was a developer of technology that allowed users to play video games that were run remotely on machines in data centers rather than their personal computer or console. Impulse was a [[digital distribution]] and [[multiplayer video game]] platform acquired from Stardock, and renamed GameStop PC Downloads. Under the ownership of GameStop, the service was redesigned and sold games that use other platforms such as Steam while also selling games that use its own proprietary DRM solution, Impulse:Reactor.<ref name="spawnimpulse" /> GameStop shut down both PC Downloads and Spawn Labs in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=March 27, 2014 |title=GameStop closes its game-streaming division — will focus on PlayStation Now |work=[[VentureBeat]] |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/03/27/gamestop-closes-its-game-streaming-division-will-focus-on-playstation-now/}}</ref>
* In 2012, GameStop acquired [[BuyMyTronics.com|BuyMyTronics]], a [[Denver]]-based online market place for consumer electronics.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abril |first=Danielle |date=August 16, 2013 |title=How DFW's new Apple retailer could help GameStop grow |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2013/08/16/how-dfws-new-apple-retailer-could.html}}</ref>
* In October 2012, GameStop acquired a 49.9% ownership interest in Simply Mac, a [[Salt Lake City]]–based [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] authorized reseller and repairer founded in 2006. GameStop acquired the remaining 50.1% of ownership in November 2013. GameStop tried to target areas for potential new Simply Mac locations in smaller markets that did not have an existing [[Apple Store]] within a reasonable driving distance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Marum |first=Anna |date=April 9, 2015 |title=GameStop's Simply Mac buys The Mac Store in continued expansion effort |work=[[The Oregonian]] |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/window-shop/2015/04/gamestops_simply_mac_buys_the.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111000340/https://www.oregonlive.com/window-shop/index.ssf/2015/04/gamestops_simply_mac_buys_the.html |archive-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 16, 2013 |title=GameStop-owned Simply Mac goes where Apple stores won't |work=[[Dallas Morning News]] |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2013/08/16/gamestop-owned-simply-mac-goes-where-apple-stores-wont |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412221622/https://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2013/08/16/gamestop-owned-simply-mac-goes-where-apple-stores-wont |archive-date=April 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=KASKOVICH |first=STEVE |date=April 22, 2014 |title=GameStop to ramp up expansion of wireless, Apple product stores |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article3854841.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413030310/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article3854841.html |archive-date=April 13, 2019}}</ref> In January 2017, GameStop closed many Simply Mac locations. The chain had as many as 70 locations at the time of the announcement.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Chance |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Apple Authorized Reseller Simply Mac closing multiple locations around the United States this month |work=[[9to5Mac]] |url=https://9to5mac.com/2017/01/19/apple-authorized-reseller-simply-mac-closing-multiple-locations-around-the-united-states-this-month/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 19, 2017 |title=Simply Mac stores closing amid apparent corporate restructuring |work=[[AppleInsider]] |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/17/01/19/simply-mac-stores-closing-amid-apparent-corporate-restructuring- |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126071936/https://appleinsider.com/articles/17/01/19/simply-mac-stores-closing-amid-apparent-corporate-restructuring- |archive-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref> In 2019, GameStop divested Simply Mac; at that time it had 43 stores.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cool-holdings-to-buy-simply-mac-from-gamestop-as-it-executes-expansion-plans-300847565.html |title=Cool Holdings to Buy Simply Mac from GameStop As It Executes Expansion Plans |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=May 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arrojas |first=Matthew |date=January 23, 2020 |title=South Florida company owes GameStop millions after missing payment on an acquisition deal |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2020/01/23/cool-holdings-owes-gamestop.html}}</ref>
* In November 2013, GameStop acquired Spring Mobile, a [[Salt Lake City]]–based retailer of [[AT&T]]-branded wireless services.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abril |first=Danielle |date=July 16, 2014 |title=GameStop acquires 19 stores for Spring Mobile expansion |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2014/07/16/gamestop-acquires-19-stores-for-spring-mobile.html}}</ref> 
* It acquired 163 RadioShack locations in February 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hals |first=Tom |date=February 26, 2015 |title=GameStop Nabs 163 RadioShack Leases for Spring Mobile Push |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/radioshack-bankruptcy-gamestop/gamestop-nabs-163-radioshack-leases-for-spring-mobile-push-idUSL1N0W03HT20150226 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127231058/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL1N0W03HT20150226 |archive-date=January 27, 2021}}</ref> 
* In July 2015, GameStop acquired [[Geeknet]].<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-completes-acquisition-geeknet |title=GameStop Completes Acquisition of Geeknet |publisher=GameStop |date=July 17, 2015}}</ref>  
* On August 3, 2016, GameStop acquired 507 AT&T store chains in plans to diversify into new businesses and less dependent on the video game market.<ref>{{cite news |last=Palmeri |first=Christopher |date=August 2, 2016 |title=GameStop Acquires 507 AT&T Stores in Diversification Plan |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-02/gamestop-buys-507-at-t-wireless-stores-in-diversification-effort |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

====Brand expansion====
[[File:MovieStop GameStop Mobile.jpg|200px|thumb|A shuttered MovieStop store and a GameStop store in [[Mobile, Alabama]] in 2018]]
GameStop founded [[MovieStop]] in 2004 as a standalone store that focused on new and used movies.<ref name="acquired">{{cite web |date=October 31, 2014 |title=Draw Another Circle, LLC Adds MovieStop To Its Portfolio Of Companies To Create A Family Of Specialty Entertainment Retailers |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/draw-another-circle-llc-adds-moviestop-to-its-portfolio-of-companies-to-create-a-family-of-specialty-entertainment-retailers-281130702.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622121424/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/draw-another-circle-llc-adds-moviestop-to-its-portfolio-of-companies-to-create-a-family-of-specialty-entertainment-retailers-281130702.html |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |publisher=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref> More than 42 locations were opened, which typically adjoined or were adjacent to GameStop locations.<ref name="acquired" /> GameStop spun off MovieStop to private owners in 2012.<ref name="divest">{{cite web |date=January 18, 2012 |title=Tully & Holland advises GameStop in the divestiture of its MovieStop division. |url=http://www.tullyandholland.com/news-page/items/Tully--Holland-advises-GameStop-in-the-divestiture-of-its-MovieStop-division.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308151426/http://www.tullyandholland.com/news-page/items/Tully--Holland-advises-GameStop-in-the-divestiture-of-its-MovieStop-division.asp |archive-date=March 8, 2015 |access-date=September 8, 2015 |publisher=Tully & Holland}}</ref> In November 2014, Draw Another Circle LLC, a company controlled by merchandising executive Joel Weinshanker that also owns [[Hastings Entertainment]], purchased MovieStop.<ref name="draw">{{cite web |last=Gruenwedel |first=Erik |date=November 3, 2014 |title=MovieStop Acquired by Hastings Entertainment Owner |url=http://www.homemediamagazine.com/retailers/moviestop-acquired-hastings-entertainment-owner-34506 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124022106/http://www.homemediamagazine.com/retailers/moviestop-acquired-hastings-entertainment-owner-34506 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |work=[[Home Media Magazine]]}}</ref> The chain shuttered in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brickley |first=Peg |date=June 13, 2016 |title=Hastings Entertainment, MovieStop File for Bankruptcy |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hastings-entertainment-moviestop-file-for-bankruptcy-1465821509 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108100630/https://www.wsj.com/articles/hastings-entertainment-moviestop-file-for-bankruptcy-1465821509 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>

In October 2012 at [[Grapevine Mills]] in Dallas, GameStop introduced GameStop Kids, a  [[pop-up retail]] concept. The brand, which had 80 locations in [[shopping mall]]s during the [[Christmas and holiday season]], focused on children's products, and carried only games rated "Everyone" by the [[ESRB]], along with merchandise of popular franchises aimed towards the demographic.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/10/25/gamestop-to-debut-new-gamestop-kids.html | title=GameStop to debut new GameStop Kids stores | first=Steven R. | last=Thompson | work=[[American City Business Journals]] | date=October 25, 2012 | archive-date=October 29, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029000100/http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/10/25/gamestop-to-debut-new-gamestop-kids.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=80 Holiday 'GameStop Kids' Stores Coming to Mall Near You | url=https://www.pcmag.com/archive/80-holiday-gamestop-kids-stores-coming-to-mall-near-you-304372 | website=[[PC Magazine]] | archive-date=January 11, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111000301/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411452,00.asp | url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2014, GameStop's Australian Division EB Games Australia introduced ZiNG Pop Culture{{em dash}}a pop culture retailer. ZiNG Pop Culture has since expanded to over 50 standalone stores as well as numerous large format hybrid stores, which include both an EB Games and Zing Pop Culture store in a single location with an expanded selection of games merchandise.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently asked questions - ZiNG Pop Culture |url=https://zingpopculture.com.au/customer-service#7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822234302/https://zingpopculture.com.au/customer-service#7 |archive-date=22 August 2016 |access-date=22 August 2016 |website=zingpopculture.com.au}}</ref>

====European expansion and stagnation====
GameStop's entry into the European market began in 2003 with the acquisition of Irish video game retailer, Gamesworld.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamedevelopers.ie/gamestop-gamesworld-takeover/|title=GameStop: Gamesworld Takeover|publisher=gamedevelopers.ie|date=20 August 2003|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamestop-buys-irish-game-retail-chain|title=Gamestop buys Irish game retail chain|first=Rob|last=Fahey|work=[[Gamer Network|GamesIndustry.biz]]|date=20 August 2003|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> Gamesworld, which had eleven stores in Ireland, then announced that it planned to add 33 stores across the island of Ireland.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/gamesworld-goes-on-the-growth-path-1.376555|title=Gamesworld goes on the growth path|author=<!--not stated-->|work=[[The Irish Times]]|date=17 September 2003|access-date=12 December 2024|url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/news/gamesworld-in-major-expansion-initiative/25930209.html|title=Gamesworld in major expansion initiative|author=<!--not stated-->|work=[[Irish Independent]]|date=10 September 2003|access-date=12 December 2024|url-access=limited}}</ref> GameStop's merger with EB Games in October 2005 expanded GameStop's European footprint with the addition of nearly 400 stores across Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.<ref name="ebgames" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.computerworld.dk/art/27889/spilkaeder-i-milliardfusion-vil-erobre-europa|title=Spilkæder i milliardfusion vil erobre Europa|first=Casper|last=Thomsen|work=computerworld.dk|date=10 April 2005|access-date=12 December 2024|language=Danish}}</ref> The merger did not include EB Game's British and Irish stores which continued separately under the [[Game (retailer)|GAME]] brand. GameStop continued its expansion, operating 636 stores across Europe by 2007, now including Portugal.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-opens-1000th-international-location|title=GameStop Opens 1,000th International Location|publisher=GameStop|date=26 June 2007|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> In April 2008 with the acquisition of [[Free Record Shop]]'s 49 Norwegian stores.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-acquire-49-free-record-locations-norway|title=GameStop to Acquire 49 Free Record Locations in Norway|publisher=GameStop|date=31 March 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="freerecord" /> This was followed in October with the acquisition of French video-game retailer [[Micromania (video game retailer)|Micromania]] and its 332 stores for $700m, which increased its European store count to 1,077.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-acquires-micromania-frances-leading-video-game-retailer|title=GameStop Acquires Micromania, France's Leading Video Game Retailer|publisher=GameStop|date=1 October 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref name="micromania_1" /><ref name="micromania_2" /> However, GameStop's attempts to expand into the UK were less successful. In 2007, its bid to acquire [[GameStation]] and its 217 stores from struggling [[Blockbuster (retailer)|Blockbuster]] were thwarted by GAME who acquired it instead in May.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2006/07/4686/|title=GameStop may be sniffing around UK game chain GameStation|first=Ben|last=Kuchera|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=19 July 2006|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boyes |first=Emma |date=2 May 2007 |title=gamestop |url=https://gamestop.vn/ |access-date=12 December 2024 |work=Game Stop}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/retail/analyst-gamestop-made-error-in-not-buying-gamestation/|title=Analyst: GameStop made error in not buying Gamestation|author=<!--not stated-->|work=[[MCV/Develop]]|date=19 March 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> In November, when British retailer [[Woolworths (United Kingdom)|Woolworths]] went into administration British gaming magazine, [[MCV/Develop|MCV]], reported that GameStop was bidding for half of Woolsworth's 815 stores.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/2/hi/business/7751064.stm|title=Woolworths set for administration|author=<!--not stated-->|work=[[BBC]]|date=26 November 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/now-gamestop-eyes-woolies-stores/|title=Now GameStop eyes Woolies stores|author=<!--not stated-->|work=[[MCV/Develop]]|date=4 December 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> GameStop later issued a press statement completely denying the reports.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-addresses-inaccurate-report-bid-locations-uk|title=GameStop Addresses Inaccurate Report of Bid for Locations in the UK|publisher=GameStop|date=5 December 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/gamestop-bid-for-woolworths-is-completely-inaccurate|title=GameStop bid for Woolworths is "completely inaccurate"|first=Matt|last=Martin|work=[[Gamer Network|GamesIndustry.biz]]|date=8 December 2008|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> Now operating over 1,400 stores across Europe with sales of $1,810 million, 2011 was the limit of GameStop's growth in Europe. GameStop gave up on UK expansion,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mcvuk.com/business-news/gamestop-rules-out-uk-shops/|title=GameStop rules out UK shops|author=<!--not stated-->|work=[[MCV/Develop]]|date=26 November 2010|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> and in July announced that it would be closing its two solitary stores in Britain and launching an e-commerce website for UK customers.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-now-open-business-247-uk|title=GameStop is Now Open for Business 24/7 in the UK|publisher=GameStop|date=28 July 2011|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/gamestop-launches-estore-only-presence-in-mainland-uk|title=GameStop launches eStore-only presence in mainland UK|first=Johnny|last=Cullen|work=[[Gamer Network|VG247]]|date=29 July 2011|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> In January 2012, GameStop closed its four remaining stores in Northern Ireland, thus ending its physical presence in the United Kingdom, and transferring its UK business online.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-16716719|title=Gamestop closes four NI stores|first=Colletta|last=Smith|work=[[BBC]]|date=25 January 2012|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/gamestop-abandons-u-k-stores/|title=GameStop Abandons U.K. Stores|first=Greg|last=Tito|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|Escapist Magazine]]|date=24 January 2012|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref>

Also in January, GameStop left Portugal closing its 13 stores.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vg247.com/report-gamestop-to-close-its-stores-in-portugal|title=Report: GameStop to close its stores in Portugal|first=Johnny|last=Cullen|work=[[Gamer Network|VG247]]|date=25 January 2012|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Soares |first=Jorge |date=25 January 2012 |title=Confirmado o fecho das lojas GameStop em Portugal |trans-title=The closure of GameStop stores in Portugal has been confirmed. |url=https://www.eurogamer.pt/confirmado-o-fecho-das-loja-gamestop-em-portugal |access-date=12 December 2024 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |language=Portuguese}}</ref> Later in March, GameStop's competitor, GAME, entered administration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/high-street-blues-game-enters-administration|title=High Street Blues: GAME Enters Administration|first=Alex|last=Meer|work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|date=26 March 2012|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> While GameStop actively explored acquiring GAME's Spanish business and its 291 stores, it was sold instead to investment vehicle, Cherrilux Investments.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/gamestop-wants-to-buy-games-shops-in-spain-and-portugal-report|title=GameStop wants to buy GAME's shops in Spain and Portugal|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=13 March 2012|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/game-news/game-sells-spanish-and-portuguese-operations-to-opcapita/|title=Game sells Spanish and Portuguese operations to OpCapita|first=Tom|last=Worthington|work=[[Pocket Gamer]]|date=13 April 2012|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> GameStop's Spanish business was originally an acquisition of Jump Ordenadores SLU by EB Games in 2005 just prior to the merger with GameStop.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/jump-into-spain-for-electronics-boutique|title=Jump into Spain for Electronics Boutique|first=Rpb|last=Fahey|work=[[Gamer Network|GamesIndustry.biz]]|date=24 May 2005|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref> In September 2014, GameStop announced its withdrawal from Spain and the sale of some of its stores to GAME, the very company it had tried to acquire only two years previously.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://news.gamestop.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gamestop-announces-strategic-update-regarding-its-european|title=GameStop Announces Strategic Update Regarding Its European Operations|publisher=GameStop|date=15 September 2014|access-date=12 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Caballero |first=David |date=19 September 2014 |title=Cierra Gamestop; despidos y venta de tiendas a GAME |trans-title=GameStop closes; layoffs and sale of stores to GAME. |url=https://www.gamereactor.es/cierra-gamestop-despidos-y-venta-de-tiendas-a-game-338703/ |access-date=12 December 2024 |work=[[Gamereactor]] |language=Spanish}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Varela |first=Ramón |date=15 September 2014 |title=Cierra Gamestop en España, según informaciones |trans-title=GameStop is closing in Spain, according to reports. |url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/1350655514/cierra-gamestop-en-espana-segun-informaciones/ |access-date=12 December 2024 |work=[[El Español|El Español (Vandal)]] |language=Spanish}}</ref>

====Management changes====

Daniel DeMatteo replaced Richard Fontaine as GameStop CEO in August 2008. DeMatteo had served as company COO since 1996. Fontaine, who had been GameStop chairman and CEO since 1996, remained the company's chairman.<ref name="remains">{{cite news |date=August 29, 2008 |title=Gamestop names new CEO, Fontaine remains chairman |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/gamestop-management/gamestop-names-new-ceo-fontaine-remains-chairman-idUSWNAB872220080829}}</ref> [[J. Paul Raines]], formerly executive vice president of [[Home Depot]], became company COO in September.<ref name="remains" /> [[J. Paul Raines]] became GameStop CEO in June 2010.<ref name="illness">{{cite news |last=Kezar |first=Korri |date=November 14, 2017 |title=GameStop names interim leader as CEO is treated for illness |work=[[American City Business Journals]] |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2017/11/14/gamestop-names-interim-leader-as-ceo-is-treated.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Halkias |first=Maria |date=March 5, 2018 |title=Former GameStop CEO Paul Raines, known for his personable leadership style, dies at 53 |work=[[Dallas Morning News]] |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/retail/2018/03/05/former-gamestop-ceo-paul-raines-known-for-his-personable-leadership-style-dies-at-53/}}</ref> He replaced Daniel DeMatteo who was named executive chairman of the company.<ref name="illness" /> Under his leadership, in 2012, GameStop's digital revenue grew from $190 million in 2011 to more than $600 million in 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |last=HEID |first=JASON |title=Breakfast With: J. Paul Raines of GameStop |website=[[D Magazine]] |url=https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2013/january-february/breakfast-with-j-paul-raines-of-gamestop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124102252/https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-ceo/2013/january-february/breakfast-with-j-paul-raines-of-gamestop/ |archive-date=November 24, 2020}}</ref>