GameStop — Local services in Manchester

I visited the GameStop location on South Willow Street today, and the experience left me deeply disappointed. This particular store holds nostalgic significance for me, as it was once a FunkoLand, a place where gaming enthusiasts like myself could explore a vast selection of games and hardware. Over the years, GameStop took over and, while always known for low trade-in values, still managed to create a clean, inviting environment with abundant inventory and exciting events like midnight releases.

Back then, I could browse shelves filled with games for systems like Xbox, PlayStation 2/3, GameCube, PSP, DS/3DS, and more. Holiday sales like “buy two, get one free” were common, and finding hidden gems or stocking up on a multitude of games for $50-$60 was a regular occurrence. The stores were well-maintained, fully stocked, and felt alive with the gaming community.

Fast forward to 2024, and this location is now a shadow of its former self. The store feels almost entirely empty, with about 90% of the floor space unused. There’s little to no selection of games—used or new. The only products that seem to have any presence are a small, unimpressive wall of Funko Pops with little variety. Used switch games are also listed for $60.

The condition of the store is appalling. The floors are filthy, ceiling tiles are water-damaged and literally falling down, and the front desk is disorganized, damaged and grimy. The counters and walls, which once displayed game-related memorabilia and hardware, are barren, contributing to the overall feeling of neglect.

I visited in search of a used copy of a Nintendo Switch game, but the selection was nonexistent. Most of the few games they had lacked OEM cases, which only added to the lackluster experience. While I was there, at least eight other customers came in and left empty-handed because the store didn’t have what they needed.

To make matters worse, I witnessed a customer attempting to return a defective controller suffering from stick drift that he had purchased just a week prior. The store couldn’t help him because their warranty system requires a receipt, with no way to track purchases or warranties otherwise.

I genuinely feel bad for the employees who are left to deal with these conditions. They seem to lack proper support from the company, and the decline in quality has turned many customers against them through no fault of their own.

GameStop, as a company, has let its stores deteriorate to such an extent that they now feel more like abandoned buildings than places for gaming enthusiasts. I truly hope the hardworking staff at this location find better opportunities, as they deserve far more than the situation they’re currently stuck in.

GameStop needs to reflect on what made it a cornerstone of gaming culture and work to regain the trust of customers. Until then, this store—and others like it—will continue to be a sad reminder of...

With so little ability these days to find good, friendly and helpful customer service it was such a pleasant surprise when the young man at Game Stop took the time to answer my questions with a pleasant attitude and the patience needed to deal with a non-gamer mom like myself trying to shop for her young new gamer.

Both employees working there were helpful and pleasant to those with questions and were obviously knowledgeable listening to their answers. What they did not know they discussed and even tried researching. Years ago I think this would have been expected but is truly so hard to find these days and I am very grateful for all the great customer service found here.

The bad part of the experience came from both my husband and I standing in line with the showcased game cover to present to purchase the game and finding out that they did not have that game available. Frustrating but happens. But, then, the next two customers heard the same thing. Not available. A man came in looking for a gaming system and after answering all of his questions the friendly staff revealed that the system was not available there and near impossible that it would be found anytime soon.

As the timing of the visit was only days before covid Christmas, milling in the store and waiting long period of time in a line for barely there stock presented as available was really frustrating and not a great practice. If it is not in stock then don't display it and make clear the availability...

Cool store, well stocked.. but wow, unknowledgeable employees... I came in to ask a few questions, and what a waste of time... I asked about several games, and two different gaming systems (Nintendo Switch, & XBox One S).. and could not get one helpful answer.. I had to go on YouTube when I left to get any type of idea... Now I understand if you took the job not really knowing much about gaming... but when you have two employees, that are adults, and not children, don't you think it may be slightly advantageous to learn a thing or two about the products you sell?? Having a knowledgable staff is usually recommended Game Stop!!.. Take some F'ing pride in your work for Christ sake... I'm not a big gamer, my children are, and I knew more than these toolbags.. so, great store, convenient locale, terrible employees.... I guess good help must be hard to come by, huh Game Stop?.. as if knowing nothing wasn't bad enough, they were kind of rude too.... suffice it to say, I was under impressed, enough to take the time to tell all of you about the experience......