GameStop Plans to Sell French and Canadian Operations, CEO Criticizes 'Wokeness' in Controversial Post

The video game retailer cites an evaluation of international assets while CEO Ryan Cohen's comments draw attention for their unprofessional tone.

GameStop announced its intention to sell its retail operations in France and Canada as part of a broader review of its international assets.
CEO Ryan Cohen made a controversial post on X, linking the sale to criticisms of 'wokeness,' diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and progressive policies in the two countries.
The company has been downsizing its global physical store footprint, recently closing operations in Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, and planning to exit Germany by the end of 2024.
GameStop has faced declining sales despite a brief surge during the 2021 'meme stock' craze, with third-quarter 2024 earnings showing reduced revenue compared to the previous year.
Cohen's remarks have been criticized as unprofessional and counterproductive, potentially overshadowing the financial and strategic rationale behind the sales.