Massive queues formed in stores and online today as EB Games' nationwide closing down sale kicked off.
The retailer confirmed earlier this week it would shut all 38 of its New Zealand stores on January 31, ending more than two decades of trading locally. Its distribution centre will also close.
EB Games ANZ managing director Shane Stockwell said the company had been approached by "numerous" third parties after word spread that closure was being considered, but none put forward proposals that would keep the New Zealand business viable.
"These parties did not present any proposals or solutions about how to keep the New Zealand business sustainable," he said.
EB Games, an Australian based video game and pop culture merchandise chain, has been owned by US giant GameStop since 2005.
Any photos/videos of the queues at EB Games stores today? Email news@tvnz.co.nz
The chain's long-anticipated clearance sale launched at 1pm on Thursday, offering 50% off everything, including retro items priced as low as $3.
Some shoppers reported instore lines stretching around mall corridors, with hundreds of people trying to snap up a bargain.
One customer at Westfield Riccarton in Christchurch told 1News the line was "pretty slow".
"Everyone is a bit sweaty from the dampness of the rain and the crowd heat, so it's a bit gross."
The company's website also implemented a virtual queuing system, with people waiting as long as three hours to access the site due to the high demand.
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