EB Games ‘regrettably’ set to close all NZ stores at end of month

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

EB Games will close its remaining New Zealand stores at the end of the month, following the outcome of a consultation with staff.

A letter sent to staff on Wednesday, seen by Stuff, said the company had “regrettably” decided to disestablish all roles in the business and close all 38 stores.

In the letter, the company said it would consult individually with each staff member on their employment circumstances, including the date specific roles would be disestablished and notice period arrangements.

There would be potential opportunities for redeployment for staff in the business in Australia, it said.

The last day of trade for all New Zealand stores will be January 31, with rostered shifts available for store teams, as required, until February 7. The New Zealand distribution centre is also set to close on February 28.

Customers are due to be notified about what the closure means for outstanding gift cards, pre-orders, and other services.

Managing director of EB Games Shane Stockwell acknowledged feedback received in the consultation process that the closure would leave a “significant hole” in the pop culture and gaming community.

As a result, Stockwell said the company will commence working on a web solution that will enable New Zealand customers to continue to shop through the EB Games Australia website.

The economic think tank NZIER said business confidence is at its strongest since March 2014, but electronic spending stats show the Christmas retail spend was down on last year.

“This will allow customers to have trading cards, pop culture products, unique licensed products, apparel and their gaming needs all shipped to their home in New Zealand,” he said.

Stockwell said further details about this will be shared in the coming weeks.

Years of profit decline

The confirmation of the stores’ closure comes nearly a week after the company announced a formal consultation process with staff on the proposal to exit the New Zealand market.

An internal email informed employees that the company had endured a prolonged period of struggling performance, with years of profit decline and ongoing pressure on the retail sector cited.

The email added that the New Zealand business recorded a multi-million-dollar loss in the 2024 financial year, with no significant improvement anticipated in the current year.

The New Zealand operation was described as no longer commercially viable, despite repeated efforts to turn the business around.

EB Games has been a fixture of New Zealand’s gaming retail scene for decades, operating stores in major shopping centres and city centres nationwide. Its New Zealand business operates under its Australian parent company.