GameStop, the prominent video game retailer, has announced its intention to pursue a sale of its operations in France and Canada, marking yet another setback for the company’s international ambitions. The announcement came via a press release on the GameStop website, and it was notably shared through the Toronto Star.

According to a previous filing with the SEC, GameStop has a total of 332 stores in France and 203 in Canada. Although the specific reasons for the sale were not disclosed, CEO Ryan Cohen’s eccentric comments on social media regarding the countries’ political climate have drawn significant attention. He even invited potential buyers of GameStop Canada or Micromania France to contact him directly, notably including his critiques of taxation and progressive policies in his pitch.

The move reflects the broader struggles of GameStop’s physical stores, which have been facing declining sales, particularly after the company’s attempt to reboot in 2019 involved shutting down approximately 200 outlets. While the company’s stock experienced a temporary surge in 2021, it has also faced significant declines since then, which has prompted ongoing closures of physical stores worldwide.

Additionally, 2023 saw GameStop new closures in Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria, with plans to conclude retail operations in Germany in 2024.