ABC Shops to close nationwide

AS all 50 ABC Shops face the axe, managing director Mark Scott says the ABC can’t drain money out of broadcasting to prop up its beleaguered retail venture.

Christmas shoppers outside the ABC store in the Chadstone Shopping Centre complex.

ABC Shops will be phased out around the country, with 300 staff set to be affected.

ABC Commercial director Robert Patterson said the decision “has not been taken lightly” but the move was “in keeping with the shift of ABC audiences to accessing content across an array of digital platforms”.

Under a new strategy announced by ABC Commerical, the national broadcaster will look to bolster its ABC Shop Online and partner with other retailers for branded space within stores.

There are currently 50 ABC Shops around the country and 78 ABC Centres located in other retail outlets.

The ABC employs up to 300 people in its retail operations, many of whom were informed of the changes last night.

“It’s a grim outlook for them, they know that,” Mr Scott told ABC News 24 this morning.

“We know people have loved these shops ... (but) you cannot take money from broadcasting to prop up this retail chain.”

‘Grim outlook’ ... Mark Scott said the ABC could not take money from broadcasting to support the shops.

Mr Patterson said: “The ABC Shops have been an important part of the ABC’s relationship with its audiences for the past 35 years.

“However, this strategy will create a more cost effective, nimble and flexible approach to servicing customers. Consumers will still be able to purchase much loved content both online and in stores.”

ABC news online reported that redundancies will be offered to some staff.

ABC Retail Head Regina Hoekstra said staff welfare would be a priority as the phasing out of stand-alone shops begins.

“The welfare of our staff will be a primary focus over the next few months. We are conscious that the ABC Shop is close to the hearts of our teams and we appreciate their ongoing hard work and dedication,” she said.

“ABC Shop is a trusted brand with a strong product offer, loyal customers and an engaged, committed team. ABC Retail will continue to adapt to an ever-changing retail climate in order to provide a sustainable retailing experience for customers.”