Video game and pop culture merchandise retailer EB Games plans to wind down its New Zealand operations and shutter all stores.
“This proposal is not final, and no decision will be made until we have completed a full consultation process in good faith with affected team members,” managing director Shane Stockwell said in a note to employees.
“This proposal includes the closure of all remaining EB Games New Zealand stores and the New Zealand Distribution Centre.”
If the proposal goes ahead, all positions at EB Games New Zealand would be eliminated. The number of jobs lost remains unclear if the company shuts all its New Zealand stores.
GameStop has owned EB Games since 2005. According to its latest annual report, the Australian-based company operates 38 stores in New Zealand and 336 in Australia.
Stockwell said the New Zealand operation was no longer commercially viable, posting a “multi-million dollar loss during the 2024 fiscal year.” He said the retail market remains sluggish, with the company lacking confidence in any performance upturn.
“We are saddened to be in this position, having already made significant and repeated efforts to turn the business around,” Stockwell added.
The company indicated that New Zealand staff may have opportunities to relocate and join EB Games’ Australian operations.
Meanwhile, Consumer NZ urges New Zealanders holding EB Games vouchers or store credit to redeem them to avoid potential losses.
Consumer NZ’s communications and campaigns adviser, Abbey Damen, encourages pre-order customers to contact EB Games for refunds or fulfilment confirmation.
“Get clarity and chat to the store first,” she said.