VIRGINIA - The retail landscape for gamers in Virginia is shifting dramatically as GameStop executes a major wave of store closures across the state. As part of a nationwide plan to reduce its physical footprint, the video game retailer has closed multiple locations in the Old Dominion at the start of 2026.
VIRGINIA - The retail landscape for gamers in Virginia is shifting dramatically as GameStop executes a major wave of store closures across the state. As part of a nationwide plan to reduce its physical footprint, the video game retailer has closed multiple locations in the Old Dominion at the start of 2026.This move follows a turbulent period for the company, which has been grappling with the industry-wide shift toward digital gaming and is now focused on cutting costs by eliminating underperforming brick-and-mortar sites.
The Virginia Impact: Closures Across the Commonwealth
While GameStop has not released a complete, official list of store closures, local reports and store signage indicate closures in several key areas across Virginia, including Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia.
Confirmed Virginia Closures
Based on reports from early 2026, the following GameStop locations in Virginia have been identified for closure:
- Alexandria: Kingstowne Towne Center (5965 Kingstowne Towne Center)
- Chantilly: South Riding Market Square (25050 Riding Plaza)
- Dulles: Dulles Town Center (21100 Dulles Town Circle)
- Henrico: Staples Mill Road (9085 Staples Mill Road)
- King George: Consumer Row (16418 Consumer Row)
- Richmond (Broad and Bowe Center): 1500 W. Broad St.
- Richmond (Northpark Shopping Center): 8131 Brook Road
- Richmond (Shops at Stratford Hills): 7017 Forest Hill Ave.
- South Boston: Shops at Tri Rivers (3459 Old Halifax Road)
- Sterling: Dulles 28 Centre (22000 Dulles Retail Plaza)
- Virginia Beach: Lynnhaven Parkway (869 Lynnhaven Parkway)
- Williamsburg: Cedar Valley Shopping Center (810 E. Rochambeau Dr.)
- Woodbridge: Smoketown Station (13277 Worth Ave.)
Note: Store status can change rapidly. Some of these locations may have already ceased operations. It is highly recommended to check with a specific store before traveling.
Why is GameStop Closing So Many Stores?
These closures are part of GameStop's broader, long-term strategy to "optimize its store portfolio." The company anticipated closing a significant number of stores in fiscal year 2025 to streamline operations.
The primary drivers behind this decision include the increasing popularity of digital downloads, which has reduced the demand for physical game discs. Additionally, the company is focused on cutting costs by closing unprofitable or redundant locations, especially those in malls with declining foot traffic.
What This Means for Virginia Gamers
For many loyal customers in Virginia, the loss of their local GameStop is a significant blow. These stores served as community hubs for midnight releases and a place to trade in old games.
As the company pivots, surviving GameStop locations are expected to focus more heavily on collectibles, trading cards, and gaming merchandise to stay relevant in a digital-first world. For those seeking physical game copies, the drive to the nearest store just got a little longer.
