Bose to close 119 retail outlets in Australia and abroad
Technology giant Bose has announced it will close more than 100 stores globally, including those in Australia, with jobs under threat.
Technology
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Technology giant Bose is closing doors to stores nationwide, alongside dozens globally, it announced today.
The high-end headphone and speaker retailer confirmed 119 outlets will close in countries including Australia, North America, Europe and Japan.
The company’s global sales vice president Colette Burke said the move was due to the phase out of retail outlets and increase in online shopping.
“Originally, our retail stores gave people a way to experience, test, and talk to us about multi-component, CD and DVD-based home entertainment systems,” she said in a statement.
“At the time, it was a radical idea, but we focused on what our customers needed, and where they needed it – and we’re doing the same thing now.”
Ms Burke said the number of workers affected by the closures would remain “private” for now.
She added employees would be offered outplacement assistance and severance.
Bose – which launched in 1964 and is based in Massachusetts, US – is known for its noise-cancelling headphones, truly wireless sport earbuds, portable speakers and smart speakers.
“It’s still difficult, because the decision impacts some of our amazing store teams who make us proud every day,” she said.
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“They take care of every person who walks through our doors – whether that’s helping with a problem, giving expert advice, or just letting someone take a break and listen to great music.
“Over the years, they’ve set the standard for customer service. And everyone at Bose is grateful.”
About 130 stores will remain open across Greater China, the United Arab Emirates, India, Southeast Asia and South Korea.
It is unclear at this point whether there will be any more closures.
Since the company’s announcement, many have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment.
Another one bites the dust...@Bose will close 119 bricks-and-mortar stores globally, including all Australian outlets
— Gemma Felicity Acton (@GemmaActon) January 16, 2020
But it'll still be open for business online (and likely in some remaining stores in Asia)
Job losses not yet known
Originally published as Bose to close 119 retail outlets in Australia and abroad