The end of this month will mark the closure of all EB Games stores across New Zealand, as the retailer grapples with multi-million dollar losses. The company’s decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar game shops in an increasingly digital landscape.
EB Games has been a familiar name for Kiwi gamers for years, offering a tangible space to browse the latest releases and pick up collectibles. But with shifting consumer habits and the dominance of online sales, maintaining physical locations has become unsustainable.
Though the closures are a blow for local fans who value in-person shopping and community, they reflect a broader trend in videogame retail worldwide. As digital downloads and online marketplaces continue to grow, traditional stores are finding it harder to compete. EB Games’ exit from New Zealand closes a chapter for the once-thriving retail scene, leaving gamers to adapt to new ways of buying their games.
Source: pcgamer.com
