New Zealand’s gaming retail landscape is set to shift as EB Games pulls out of the market entirely, closing all 38 of its stores by the end of January. Shoppers who relied on EB Games’ brick-and-mortar presence for consoles, titles, and gaming accessories will now face fewer in-person options, while employees confront job loss uncertainty. This closure signals the intensifying pressures traditional retailers experience from the fast-changing world of digital gaming, online orders, and competition from large e-commerce players. While customers may still have online purchasing options in the future, the disappearance of these storefronts will leave a visible gap in many New Zealand shopping centers.
Comparing recent announcements to previous closure news, the company’s continued struggle is evident, as earlier store shutdowns in Australia foreshadowed further contractions. Over the years, EB Games rebranded from its original Electronics Boutique name, expanded across Australasia, and had remained under the ownership of U.S.-headquartered GameStop. Neither past distribution changes nor new merchandising strategies have reversed the declining trend in physical retail game sales, with similar pressures forcing store reductions in other markets as well.
What led to the closure of all New Zealand outlets?
The company cited a significant “multimillion-dollar loss during the 2024 fiscal year” as the main cause for closing the entire New Zealand retail network, which included a central distribution center set to cease operations by late February. Despite internal efforts to revitalize the business and explore third-party proposals for sustainability, no viable solutions emerged to sustain the chain’s New Zealand presence.
“Significant and repeated efforts to turn the business around” were made, according to Shane Stockwell, EB Games New Zealand managing director.
How will consumer access and services be affected?
Shoppers will have restricted access to EB Games products locally, though plans are underway to allow New Zealand customers to use the Australian EB Games website for purchases by March 2026. Physical store options for gaming hardware and pop culture items are now limited, as no specific arrangements have been detailed regarding warranty claims or ongoing services, other than offering refunds in most cases.
“These parties did not present any proposals or solutions about how to keep the New Zealand business sustainable,” Stockwell explained about third-party negotiations.
What steps has the parent company taken to adapt to the changing retail sector?
GameStop, the parent company, has sought to diversify EB Games’ offerings in Australia, expanding from traditional game sales to items such as pop culture collectibles and introducing retro gaming trade-in programs to counteract a decline in physical media sales. Despite these shifts and a network of over 330 Australian stores, EB Games faces mounting competition from online retailers like Amazon and electronics chain JB Hi-Fi, prompting ongoing strategic reassessment of its business model in the region.
EB Games’ exit from New Zealand marks a notable departure from a market it entered in 2000. The brand’s early growth tracked the era when physical game sales dominated, but as digital downloads expanded and global marketplaces like Amazon strengthened, local retailers lost their foothold. The move reflects structural challenges for game retailers as physical PC game sales became rare and consumer habits shifted to digital distribution and online platforms.
The closure may prompt gamers and tech enthusiasts to seek alternative retail options, potentially benefiting e-commerce platforms and local specialty stores that remain. As the sector realigns, customers with outstanding EB Games business, such as pre-orders or repairs, are encouraged to monitor available information for updates on refunds and future online shopping options. Lessons from EB Games’ restructuring highlight the need for adaptability among retailers facing digital disruption and shifting consumer behavior, especially in industries where convenience and direct digital access increasingly shape purchasing decisions.
