Multiple GameStop locations in northern Illinois, including McHenry store, shut down

GameStop, a prominent gaming and collectibles store, has recently faced closures across Illinois, including one in DeKalb. According to the GameStop Closing List website, a total of 470 stores have closed this month alone, with locations in DeKalb, Geneva, South Elgin, New Lennox, Joliet, and Shorewood shutting down. McHenry’s GameStop also met the same fate, marking a trend of closures for the chain.

The decline in physical retail stores for video game purchases has been a challenge for GameStop, with many gamers shifting towards digital downloads. Despite these struggles, GameStop experienced a sudden surge in its stock price in January 2021, skyrocketing by 2,500% due to what was deemed as artificial price manipulation by fans of the company.

Doug Martin, McHenry’s economic development director, confirmed the closure of McHenry’s GameStop, stating that the company rapidly closed multiple stores around the country. In a December 2025 SEC filing, GameStop’s corporate team admitted to discontinuing 590 store locations in 2024 and expressed their anticipation of closing more stores in fiscal 2025, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the chain.

The closures of GameStop stores are part of a broader trend in the gaming retail industry as digital sales continue to dominate. The company’s decision to shut down numerous stores reflects an adaptation to changing consumer habits and preferences in the gaming community. Despite its previous success in the retail sector, GameStop’s recent closures highlight the evolving landscape of video game sales and distribution.

As GameStop grapples with these changes, its closures signal a shift in the gaming retail market, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. The closure of McHenry’s GameStop is just one example of the challenges faced by physical retail stores in an increasingly digital era, underscoring the need for innovation and flexibility in the gaming industry.