EB Games to close almost 20 ‘unprofitable’ stores by the end of the month
It’s bad news for another Australian retailer, with EB Games the latest to announce store closures across the country. But are Victorian stores in the firing line?
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One of Australia’s biggest gaming retailers will shut 19 shops due to failing profits, leaving its loyal customers devastated.
Gaming and electronics retailer EB Games confirmed to Leader it would shut the stores across Australia by the end of January, including two Victorian shops in Dandenong and Hamilton.
At least six stores will close in NSW, with others set to shut in other states including Queensland, ACT, Western Australia and South Australia.
“Like all businesses, we are constantly evaluating our property portfolio to ensure that our stores mix is in-line with the ever changing retail landscape,” an EB Games spokesman said
“After careful consideration we will be closing 19 unprofitable stores at the end of January. “Where possible, staff were offered the opportunity to work in surrounding stores,” the spokesman said.
He said 2020 would see EB Games continue to open more large format stores that “combine the power of both the EB Games and Zing Pop Culture”.
“These hybrid stores, combined with our strong omni-channel offering, six million loyalty members and 300 plus locations across Australia, will see EB Games continue to be one of Australia’s largest specialty retailers.”
Several gamers have taken to Facebook to express their disappointment, with some offering their “condolences” to staff, while others questioned the status of pre-ordered games at affected stores.
A stocktake sale will take place at stores before closing, with some products discounted from 20 to 60 per cent.
The news comes after womenswear retailer Bardot announced it would shut 58 stores on Thursday after being put into voluntary administration in late November.
While, department store Harris Scarfe confirmed this week it would shut 21 shops — almost one in three — over the next month in a move which will result in more than 400 job losses.
MORE:
CLOTHING CHAIN BARDOT TO SHUT 58 STORES
VICTORIAN HARRIS SCARFE STORES TO CLOSE
BARGAIN RETAILER DIMMEYS TO SHUT ITS DOORS NATIONALLY
In November, much-loved retailer Dimmeys also announced it was shutting its doors offering 30 per cent off all of its stock.