Gamestop Expects to Close At Least 150 Stores

NATIONWIDE -- Video game and consumer electronic retailer GameStop expects to close at least 150 stores this year after reporting weak holiday sales and poor fourth quarter earnings.

GameStop reported total global sales decreased 13.6 percent to $3.05 billion in their fourth quarter. Specifically, new hardware sales declined 29.1 percent and new software sales declined by 19.3 percent. 

However, their Technology Brands sales increased 43.9 percent to $256 million, according to officials. Going forward, officials say they anticipate to open 65 new Technology Brand stores, while closing 2 to 3 percent of the total global store front of more than 7,500 stores.

GameStop joins a growing list of retailers struggling to make profits in the era of online shopping.

H.H. Gregg officials announced earlier this month that they will be closing 88 stores nationwide. J.C. Penney will close 138 stores nationwide including six North Carolina locations. And Macy's will eliminate 10,000 jobs and close 68 stores for the very same reason, poor holiday sales.

There is no word yet on which GameStop locations will be impacted. There are over 100 GameStop locations currently in North Carolina.