EB Games Whangārei shoppers queue around block as store shuts down
The queue outside EB Games in Whangārei. Photo / Karina Cooper
A mass queue has formed outside Whangārei’s EB Games as locals make the most of the store’s closing-down sale.
The Whangārei branch is among 38 nationwide set to close permanently on January 31 after 25 years of operating in New Zealand.
Yesterday, EB Games Australia & New Zealand managing director Shane Stockwell confirmed the closure of the New Zealand operation.
The Australian-based video game and pop culture merchandise retailer will continue its stores across the Tasman.
Stockwell said the difficult decision came after careful consideration and consultation.
“Twenty-five years is a lifetime, a lifetime of memories and touching so many lives, I’m sure in ways we can’t ever fully understand because pop culture and gaming have a way of connecting communities that is simply special.
“It’s going to be an incredibly difficult and emotional time for staff and customers alike, as we all say farewell to our EB Games New Zealand stores.”
RNZ reported Stockwell as having said the New Zealand business was no longer commercially viable, with a “multimillion-dollar loss during the 2024 fiscal year”.
According to Stockwell, the company had numerous third parties approach it after reports that it was considering closing, but no proposals or solutions were presented to keep the New Zealand business sustainable.
The news of a half-price closing-down sale attracted many bargain hunters to downtown Whangārei, where the queue to enter EB Games travelled from the front door to Rathbone St around the corner.
The store opened at 1pm, by which time some people had already been queuing for nearly an hour.
The Advocate understands people were being let inside in small groups.
A 16-year-old, who did not want to be named, was disappointed that EB Games was closing in New Zealand.
“I think it sucks, to be honest.”
He said there was nowhere else in Whangārei to buy in-store the type of products sold by EB Games.
“I think the other biggest franchise for, like, video games is JB Hi-Fi.”
Northland’s nearest JB Hi-Fi store is 119km away in Albany, Auckland.
“I guess now people are going to have to go to Auckland for that type of thing.”
Bron Longworth, 17, was waiting in line. He called the length of the queue “insane”.
“I don’t think Whangārei has seen anything like this for a long time.”
He believed the availability of games online may have played a role in EB Games’ demise.
“I think that’s probably part of the reason why they’re going out of business, because people are downloading games now.”
Stockwell said it was hoped that, by the end of March, New Zealand EB Games customers would be able to shop online at ebgames.com.au.