ABC to close online store, ABC Centres

16 August 2018 Books+Publishing

The ABC has proposed closing its online store and discontinuing any ABC Centres still hosted by third-party booksellers, reports Mumbrella.

The move will see the broadcaster’s direct retail operations shut down at the end of this year, with around 16 staff losing jobs. Approved stores and online retailers will continue to distribute ABC products, including books, DVDs, toys and other merchandise.

As previously reported by Books+Publishing, the broadcaster shut down its network of more than 50 ABC Shops in 2015 to focus on its online store, with the loss of around 300 staff.

ABC Commercial general manager Andrew Lambert said the decision to close the retail arm was not ‘taken lightly’.

‘This proposal directly responds to the changing market, in particular consumers’ shift to digital delivery of audio and visual content. Coupled with the intensifying global competition affecting the entire retail sector, the resulting decline in physical sales means the retail business is becoming increasingly unviable,’ he said.

Consultation with employees and union representatives was to begin on 15 August.

Category: Local news