The fall of GameStop’s retail empire is opening the door for new players—and PayMore is stepping in to take the lead. As GameStop closes hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores amid shifting consumer habits and the rise of online shopping, PayMore is reportedly buying up many of these shuttered locations. The tech retail chain is transforming them into vibrant, community-driven stores focused on electronics trade-ins, sustainability, and customer-first experiences.
📉 GameStop’s Struggles Continue
Since 2020, GameStop has closed over 700 locations, many of which shut down without public notice—leaving loyal customers surprised by “closed” signs on once-bustling store windows. The pandemic, coupled with the digital shift in gaming and e-commerce, has accelerated the decline of GameStop’s physical presence.
Though the company has tried pivoting into digital ventures like NFTs and Bitcoin, these efforts have done little to stop the decline of its core business.
🛠️ PayMore’s Expansion Strategy
Now, PayMore is capitalizing on GameStop’s retreat. With a mission to turn these old gaming hubs into “flexible, fair, and sustainable” tech stores, PayMore is creating spaces where customers can trade in electronics—from smartphones to gaming consoles—and get real value in return.
PayMore emphasizes:
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Fair, transparent trade-in offers
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Respect for customer time and data
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A focus on sustainability and reducing e-waste
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A welcoming in-store experience for tech lovers
Many former GameStop customers have found PayMore to be a more customer-centric alternative, particularly when it comes to console trade-ins and refurbished electronics.
📈 Growth on the Rise
PayMore isn’t slowing down. In March 2025 alone, 18 new PayMore stores opened, and the company plans to hit 150 locations by year’s end. A large part of this expansion involves taking over former GameStop sites—giving them new life and re-engaging local communities that miss the tactile, human experience of tech retail.
🕹️ Filling the Void
While online sales dominate today’s gaming landscape, there’s still demand for in-person tech exchanges—especially for customers looking to sell or trade used hardware. PayMore is stepping in as a trusted, eco-conscious brand that provides both value and experience.
As GameStop fades from the retail map, PayMore is rapidly drawing the blueprint for what the future of tech and gaming stores could look like.