(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Simi Valley’s last remaining GameStop on Tapo Canyon Road will permanently close on March 15, marking the end of an era for local gamers. Store employees have confirmed that they are no longer receiving new stock, signaling the final days of the beloved retail space. With the closure of the Simi Valley Town Center location already in the past, this means the city will soon be without a GameStop for the first time in decades.
For years, GameStop was more than just a store—it was a meeting place for gamers of all ages. Whether it was picking up a long-awaited release, trading in old games for something new, or just chatting with employees who knew their stuff, these stores played an important role in the local gaming community. Now, with physical game retailers disappearing across the country, Simi Valley gamers are left wondering where to turn next.
The Rise and Fall of GameStop’s Meme Stock Fame
GameStop’s explosive rise in 2021 wasn’t about gaming—it was about Wall Street. Retail investors on Reddit’s WallStreetBets took on hedge funds shorting the stock, sending its price skyrocketing to a staggering $483 per share. For a brief moment, GameStop became the symbol of a financial rebellion. But despite the headlines and billions raised, the company never managed to turn that momentum into a long-term plan for survival.
While GameStop still holds over $5 billion in cash reserves and has no debt, its retail business continues to shrink. Many locations across the country are closing as the company shifts focus, leaving towns like Simi Valley without a physical GameStop presence for the first time in years.
The biggest challenge facing GameStop isn’t just bad business decisions—it’s the way people buy games. Digital marketplaces like Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Store dominate the industry, making it easier than ever to buy, download, and play without setting foot in a store. Even physical game collectors are turning to online retailers for better deals, cutting GameStop out of the equation.
At the same time, many gamers argue that GameStop lost its way years ago. The shift from a video game store to a collectibles-heavy retailer turned off longtime customers. Complaints about pushy sales tactics, poor trade-in values, and lackluster game selection became common. Some even say that GameStop did this to itself, and the closures are just the inevitable result of corporate mismanagement.
For many, the loss of GameStop in Simi Valley isn’t just about buying games—it’s about losing a part of their history. Parents remember bringing their kids in to browse the shelves, while longtime gamers recall the excitement of midnight releases and the thrill of trading in old games for something new.
The Tapo Canyon location will remain open until March 15, but without new stock coming in, its shelves will soon be empty. As gamers walk through its doors for the last time, many will be saying goodbye not just to a store, but to a place that was once an essential part of their gaming experience.
Simi Valley’s Last GameStop Location—Closing March 15
El Paseo Simi – GameStop
2944 TAPO CANYON RD, STE K, SIMI VALLEY
📞 (805) 955-0464
🕒 Final Store Hours: Closed Sunday–Wednesday, Open Thursday 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
