Game Over? EB Games Proposes Total Exit from New Zealand Market
By Lions Roar News Business & Tech Desk
AUCKLAND, NZ (January 6, 2026) — In a major blow to New Zealand’s retail landscape and gaming community, EB Games has officially proposed to shut down its entire New Zealand operation, including all 38 remaining stores and its national distribution centre.
The proposal, outlined in a letter to staff from Managing Director Shane Stockwell, cites a “multi-million dollar loss” during the 2024 fiscal year and a retail market that shows no signs of recovery.
📉 A “Commercially Unviable” Future
The Australian-based retailer, which has been owned by global giant GameStop since 2005, has struggled to stay afloat in a shifting digital landscape.
- The Financial Toll: Managing Director Shane Stockwell revealed that the New Zealand business is no longer commercially viable after significant financial losses in 2024.
- The Proposal: If finalized, the move would see all roles within EB Games New Zealand disestablished.
- The Scale: While Australia maintains over 300 stores, New Zealand has seen its footprint shrink to just 38 locations. The proposal also includes the closure of the New Zealand Distribution Centre.
💔 Impact on Employees
The news has left hundreds of staff across the country facing an uncertain future. While the proposal is not yet final, the tone of the communication suggests a grim outlook for local operations.
- Consultation Period: Employees have until January 12 to submit feedback on the proposal.
- Potential Relocation: In a small silver lining, the company indicated there may be opportunities for some staff to relocate and take up roles within EB Games’ Australian operations.
- The “Digital Shift”: Industry experts point to the rise of digital downloads and online marketplaces as the primary “boss level” that physical game retailers have failed to beat.
🎮 End of an Era for Kiwi Gamers
For decades, EB Games has been the “go-to” hub for midnight launches, trade-ins, and pop-culture merchandise. Its departure would leave a significant gap in the brick-and-mortar gaming market, leaving only a few major department stores and independent shops to fill the void.
“We are saddened to be in this position having already made significant and repeated efforts to turn the business around,” Stockwell wrote to staff, noting that the retail market remains “sluggish.”
