Game over for 200 GameStop locations

PERKINS TWP. — About 200 GameStop locations could be on their final lives, as the company plans closures.The video game retailer has more than 5,700 stores worldwide, including locations in Perkins Township, near Panera Bread, and Norwalk, near Walmart.GameStop has struggled in recent years as more people decide to purchase digital copies of games and video game streaming services become more common, according to Chain Store Age, a website that reports on retail trends.The company is in the process of trying to reinvent itself as the "social and cultural hub of gaming" by trying out concept stores that focus on retro games and competitive video game leagues."This is a compelling new strategic vision for the company," CEO George Sherman said in a news release.But the strategy won't prevent the closure of 180 to 200 underperforming stores by the end of the year after the Texas-based company had a slump in earnings and sales."We experienced sales declines across a number of categories," company CFO Jim Bell said. "We will continue to manage the underlying businesses to produce meaningful cash returns, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and investing responsibly in our strategic initiatives."The company didn't specify which locations will close, so its unknown if the local locations could be among them A representative for the company couldn't be reached for comment about the closures or what criteria they will based upon.Reach reporter Michael Harrington at michaelharrington@sanduskyregister.com, follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterThe GameStop in Perkins Township on Wednesday, Sept. 18.