

### GameStop’s Strategic Adjustments and Ryan Cohen’s Ambitious Aspirations
GameStop has encountered considerable obstacles in recent years; however, CEO Ryan Cohen appears ready to possibly reap a monumental payout linked to the company’s stock performance. Recent disclosures suggest that if GameStop achieves a market capitalization of $100 billion, Cohen could receive an astonishing $35 billion. Nevertheless, this lofty target presents a significant obstacle, as GameStop’s current market valuation sits at roughly one-tenth of that amount.
#### Store Closures and Trade-In Incentives
Cohen’s approach to elevating the company’s worth encompasses shutting down hundreds of retail outlets and enticing customers with a 20 percent trade-in incentive through QR codes. Although exact closure figures remain unclear, a blog monitoring GameStop locations suggests that about 400 stores might close by the month’s end. This marked decline in physical presence highlights the drastic steps GameStop is prepared to take to adjust to evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Customer frustration is evident, particularly as the closure announcements coincided with trade-in vouchers at impacted stores. Social media platforms, including the official GameStop Reddit, have witnessed users articulating their dissatisfaction and even canceling pre-orders in light of the company’s strategies.
#### Financial Difficulties and Prospective Strategies
A December 2025 SEC filing clarifies the company’s recent trajectory, reporting 590 store closures last year. The filing also mentions plans for “an additional considerable number” of store closures in fiscal 2025, concluding on January 31, 2026. This underscores a persistent trend of downsizing, both domestically and internationally, with the company having exited markets in Austria, Ireland, and Switzerland and scaled back operations in Germany and Italy.
#### Marketing Initiatives to Reinvigorate Brand Engagement
In light of these closures and to rekindle consumer interest, GameStop has initiated marketing efforts designed to regain attention for its stores. Partnerships with well-known influencers, such as Casey Neistat and Mega64, reflect an endeavor to connect with a younger demographic increasingly responsible for gaming purchases. Notably, the recent “trade anything day” event highlighted the company’s eagerness to appeal to a wide customer base, as evidenced by the eclectic items exchanged, including sex toys.
Furthermore, during the introduction of a new trade-in program, GameStop celebrated a milestone achievement with a record-breaking $30,000 in trades linked to the initiative.
#### Conclusion
GameStop’s trajectory illustrates the intricacies of adjusting to a swiftly changing retail landscape. Under Ryan Cohen’s guidance, the company is striving for a comprehensive transformation to improve its market standing and potentially achieve his remarkable compensation package. As GameStop maneuvers through store closures and strategic alterations, the upcoming months will be crucial in assessing whether these initiatives will culminate in the sought-after market cap and increased sustainability for the brand in the gaming sector.