End of an Era: Gamers and hobbyists swamp soon-to-close EB Games stores across NZ

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Shoppers have swamped EB Games stores across them closing down. Pictured: queues to get into EB Games at The Palms shopping centre in Christchurch.

New Zealand’s hobby and gaming communities swamped EB Games stores across the country as the company prepares to shutter all 38 stores by the end of the month.

The company’s announcement on Wednesday follows a consultation period earlier this month, ending in the “difficult decision” to close all New Zealand stores by January 31.

Stores span from Whangārei in the North Island to Invercargill in the south, including multiple stores in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch.

EB Games Timaru manager Charlie Rawstorn clearing the shelves on Thursday afternoon.

With 50% off everything (excluding hardware, digital content and currencies and gift cards), bargain hunters formed long queues outside stores across the country on Thursday afternoon and even the EB Games website had a queuing system.

While the nationwide closure marks the end of an era for the company, for Timaru’s Stafford St team of four, the loss feels personal.

People waiting in line outside EB Games Timaru on Thursday afternoon.

EB Games Timaru manager Charlie Rawstorn said her team was pretty sad about closing the store, which first opened its doors around 2008.

“It’s quite sad to see the shelves empty and the reality of it has not hit me yet,” Rawstorn said.

EB Games Timaru’s Jo Lloyd, 14-year-old Cameron Lloyd, Charlie Rawstorn and Ben Stewart pictured before the store opened on Thursday afternoon.

“There’s nowhere else in Timaru that sells things like these at the moment.

“We always thought Timaru would be the first store to go if there were closures but we were not expecting a full company shut-down in New Zealand.”

EB Games Timaru employee Jo Lloyd, who joined the store in September 2024, said she felt “gutted” about the store closing.

Some of her best memories in the store revolved around her team who she said were like family to her.

Her message to the Timaru community was: “Thank you for your loyalty and dedication over the years”.

“We always had amazing customers and maybe one day everyone can get together somewhere and have fun.

Long queues at Northlands Mall in Christchurch on Thursday, as shoppers waited to get into EB Games.

“For so many of our customers, gaming and hobbies were a big part of their lives and it will be sad to not see them in the store.”

Rawstorn, who rose from part-timer to manager since joining in 2016, credited the company’s strong family ethos and support for managers.

“I enjoy nerdy things and EB Games was popular place to work back in the day,” Rawstorn said.

Empty shelves at EB Games Timaru on Thursday afternoon.

“It’s been one of the best places I have ever worked at.”

She also acknowledged the support she received from the store’s previous manager who helped her reach her current role.

Rawstorn hopes the upcoming Hobby Lords store on Stafford St can fill in the gap left by the closure.

EB Games Timaru would be open until January 31 with clearance sales while stocks last.

Jo Lloyd, who joined the store in September 2024, said she felt “gutted” and said the job has been really good to her and she had learned a lot.

“I really loved my job and it’s sad to see it go,” Lloyd said.

“I was just a novice in the beginning, but I have learned so much since then and I have made new friends and met so many new people.”

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said its always disappointing when a business closes. (File photo)

Lloyd’s best memories in the store was getting to know the customers and forming a bond with them.

“It’s going to be hard to not see our customers and talk to them. It feels like I have lost my friends.”

Ben Stewart said he has always had a good experience at the store since he started working in it in 2022.

Stewart said he has a lot of good memories over the years and it was nice to meet and talk to people who were very enthusiastic about their hobbies or gaming.

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said it’s always disappointing when a business closes and acknowledged that it would be a difficult time for staff.

“However, there is as always a shift in consumer habits and businesses always need to adapt and reshape their services,” Smith said.

“This may not have been possible for EB Games who have sighted significant losses as the industry moves towards digital downloads and online sales.”

Smith said Stafford St is thriving with “vibrant” local businesses who know their customers and their markets.

“To name but a few, The Ringmakers for unique and custom designed jewellery, to Miss Timaru and their sister boutique clothing stores, to The Cyclery, Millie Rose, Black and Co and Tuesdays and many more, all complemented by a range of superb cafes.

“And of course two new businesses opening soon with the walls coming down and renovations in action for Hobby Lords Timaru.

“An innovation in the New Zealand hobby scene, Hobby Lords Timaru will also be home to Mana and Meeples Board Game Cafe.”

EB Games Timaru would be open until January 31 with clearance sales while stocks last.