Game over: EB Games to close all Aotearoa stores by month’s end

The future is uncertain for some Kiwi gamers as EB Games confirms it will shut all of its Aotearoa New Zealand stores by 31 January with its distribution centre closing on 28 February.

Two letters sent to staff last week revealed the closures, RNZ reports.

Shane Stockwell, the EB Games Australia & New Zealand managing director, said the company had explored options, but "these parties did not present any proposals or solutions about how to keep the New Zealand business sustainable".

Formerly known as Electronic Boutique and EB World, the retailer’s website recently announced the decision came after “careful consideration and consultation” and describes it as “difficult”.

“We truly appreciate the support and feedback from our amazing team and customers during this process.”

The website confirms access to www.ebgames.com.au for New Zealand customers will be made available by the end of March 2026.

Gamers have been flocking to stores since the announcement, with lines stretching through malls and carparks.

EB Games is offering 50 to 60 per cent off most of the stock, but the sale excludes consoles and keyboards, digital currencies, and gift cards. Some stores may close early depending on local stock.

“Due to unprecedented demand, we are not taking any further orders online,” the website states. “Orders that have been placed already will be shipped in the coming weeks.”

EB Games' New Zealand online orders are at capacity. Photo/ebgames.co.nz

A brief history

• EB Games began in the United States in 1977 as Electronic Boutique.

• The company expanded internationally, launching EB Games Australia in 1997.

• The first New Zealand store opened in Auckland in 2000.

• US retailer GameStop bought EB Games in 2005 for NZ$2.5 billion (US$1.44 billion) and the brand has been owned by the Texas-based corporation since.

The EB Games brand is now defunct in the US and Canada. According to GameStop’s latest annual report, there are currently 38 stores in New Zealand and 336 in Australia.

Why it’s closing

It is unclear how many jobs have been affected. The letters sent to employees did not mention anything about the future of Australian stores.

The chain has been facing challenges post Covid-19, with stiff competition from Amazon and JB Hi-Fi, a decline in physical game sales, and store closures in Australia and Aotearoa.

In the earlier letter, Stockwell described the New Zealand business as no longer commercially viable, reporting a "multi-million dollar loss during the 2024 fiscal year". He cited slow retail sales.

“We are saddened to be in this position having already made significant and repeated efforts to turn the business around,” Stockwell wrote.

The company has reportedly said that there may be opportunities for some New Zealand employees to relocate to Australia.

PMN News has reached out to EB Games New Zealand for further comment and received an automated response.