Check out the latest updates on how Games Workshop is planning on re-opening their retail operations worldwide post-social isolation.
Before we jump into this, remember that the GW warehouses are still closed indefinitely and have no set date on when they’ll open. However, that’s not to say that GW hasn’t been doing as much as they can while keeping everyone’s safety a chief priority. Currently, they are gearing up to hit the ground running once it is deemed safe to return back to normal life. Here’s the latest on the re-opening of Games Workshop from around the globe:
GW Taking Retail Orders Around the World & More LATEST
Remember, this only applies to retailers (GW stores and independent LGSs).
Short, sweet, and to the point. GW mentions that they still don’t know when their warehouses would be up and running again (to which we know will be at least a two-week delay once the crises we face is over). But to help businesses prepare and get a jumpstart on their inventory restocks and sales, GW is starting accepting orders that’ll ship when things are operational once again.
UPDATE: Through contact with different businesses, it turns out that this email was sent to a bunch of different independent retailers worldwide. For us, that means that GW is readily working to be ready to resume normal retail operations once again, as safely possible once this crisis has passed.
For game stores all over the globe that have been fortunate enough to keep accepting orders from the community, they’re now able to actually put in for a restock order to GW queue. As far as retailers go right now, they’re having to essentially sit on any kind of GW stock they had before they shut down.
While there’s no date on when life will go back to normal, the silver lining is that your LGS could open its doors for you to find all of the latest releases (like the Prophecy of the Wolf) that we had to sit and wait on while we were social distancing. On top of that, we also can’t forget that we could be seeing select GW stores re-open in a modified way soon.
GW Opening Some Retail Stores
For all you Warhammer fans running low on plastic glue and Nuln Oil, that means there might soon be a Warhammer or Games Workshop store open near you. In line with local advice and government guidelines, some locations will reopen this week. The success of this pilot, and of course how the COVID-19 situation develops, will determine whether more open back up in the short term.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean every GW store will be opening up across the globe at once. We’re sure we’ll see another official word on the stores that do manage to open their doors. However, remember that while stores may be operating in the future, it’ll be at a decreased level with everyone’s safety a first priority.
Expect a Limited Supply & Functionality
So, of course, these stores won’t be operating as normal. They will very much only be offering a reduced level of service. You won’t, for example, be able to come in and game or take part in painting lessons. We’re also far from being properly up and running – some items might be out of stock or in limited supply. In addition, there will be extra signage highlighting health and safety measures that you’ll need to follow, and please ensure that you always follow all local guidelines on social distancing and handwashing.
If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that GW shut down all their warehouses weeks ago. That means that even the official GW stores will be operating on limited supply. On top of that, extended times of stay are out of the question. Think of it as a quick get in, get out, kind of operation for you to stay sane and hobby on while we wait the crisis out.
As of right now, it looks like there’s not an official date of when any store will officially re-open and no stores in the US or UK are currently being opened. However, in the days ahead, you could always call or hop on social media to see which doors open to customers.
Hold Out If You Can: Your Wallet Will Thank You
While all of this is a fair bit of good news, if you can hold out a little bit longer before you restock your hobby supplies, you can spare your wallet from paying double on the secondary market (which is exactly what we’re seeing people do on eBay).
With all of this now on the table, it looks like we might have access back to hobbying once again as soon as the crisis lets up depending on where you are in the world. While GW can only do so much, they’re definitely making moves with everyone’s best interests and safety in mind. That deserves a round of applause.
Ways to Buy Warhammer Kits While GW is Closed
GW may be closed and not shipping out orders right now, but there are still a few ways to buy the Warhammer kits you need to fuel your hobby! Read More
What will you be getting with the re-opening of retail operations for Games Workshop? Have you made a hobby grocery list yet?
Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and make sure you enter the latest monthly giveaway for FREE today!
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
