ConsumerNZ is advising New Zealanders with EB Games vouchers or store credit to use them as soon as possible to minimise chances of potentially losing out.
Yesterday, the gaming retailer advised staff of a proposal to close down all remaining EB Games stores in New Zealand.
With the future of the retailer uncertain, Consumer NZ communications and campaigns adviser Abbey Damen suggested those with pre-orders should get in contact with the company to request a refund, or ask if the order could still be fulfilled.
"Get clarity and chat to the store first," she said.
The retailer facing an uncertain future in NZ under closure proposal - Watch on TVNZ+
The news of EB Games proposed shutdown came as a shock to some regular customers, but others said they were not surprised at the mooted closure.
A customer in Wellington's Cuba St told 1News the proposed closure was “shocking”.
“It’s been around since I was a kid, shopping for games and stuff. It’s wild to think that it’s closing. I’m in there so frequently so they know me by name, I’m in shambles.”
A changing market
EB Games, owned by the US-based NASDAQ-listed company Gamestop, had locations throughout New Zealand.
The number of stores climbed from 35 in 2005, to 43 between 2018 and 2019.
But in the 2020s, stores began to close, with now just 38 stores.
The decline was largely linked to the changing nature of gaming. For PC-based gaming, platforms such as Steam allowed players to directly download games.
It didn’t take long for consoles, such as Xbox and PlayStation, to follow suit, rendering physical disks obsolete.
This put pressure on retailers such as EB Games, which for decades relied on over-the-counter game sales of both New Zealand and pre-owned games.
In response, EB Games pivoted, stocking fewer games and more gaming merchandise such as action figures, novelty gaming hardware, costumes and clothes.
In a statement to 1News today, EB Games managing director Shane Stockwell said: “We have entered a formal consultation process regarding the potential closure of our EB Games New Zealand stores and distribution centre.”
“No decision has been made and we are committed to engaging with all team members, who are our number one priority, throughout this process.”
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