Audio Equipment giant Bose will close every retail store across the nation. 119 outlets will permanently close across Australia, North America, Europe and Japan within the next few months, due to what the company says is a “dramatic shift to online shopping”.
Bose Corporation hasn’t confirmed the number of stores in Australia, but they’re products are stocked at major authorised reseller’s including JB HI-FI, Myer, David Jones, Harvey Norman, and Costco.
The leading headphone manufacturing company says it is investing in online sales of products that people are more inclined to purchase without testing them first, such as noise-cancelling headphones, earbuds, portable speakers and smartphone devices.
“Originally, our retail stores gave people a way to experience, test, and talk to us about multi-component, CD and DVD-based home entertainment systems,” Colette Burke, vice president of Global Sales, Bose Corporation said.
“At the time, it was a radical idea, but we focused on what our customers needed, and where they needed it – and we’re doing the same thing now.”
A 2019 e-commerce report by Australian post revealed over 73 per cent of households are buying online.
According to the report, homewares and appliances is now the third largest eCommerce category with 22.2 per cent share of online sales in Australia.
Christine Holgate, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Australia Post stated that online retailers that offer speedy delivery and reliable returns are ahead in the market.
“It’s absolutely vital that retailers work hand-in-glove with their logistics partner to provide the kind of seamless experience today’s consumers expect,” Christine said.
“Plan strategically for the future and take advantage of the next wave of customer opportunities.”
Bose declined to comment on the number of employees affected by the closure of their retail stores.