(January 15, 2020) Citing a consumer shift to eCommerce in multiple markets, BOSE has announced that it’s closing all of its remaining retail store locations in North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. The company says closures will commence immediately and should be completed in the next few months.
BOSE opened its first retail location in 1993 as an innovative brand-focused venue for demonstrations of Wave music and Lifestyle home theater systems. The company says it will continue to operate nearly 130 store locations across Asia, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
“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,” said Colette Burke, vice president of Global Sales, Bose Corporation. “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. It’s still difficult, because the decision impacts some of our amazing store teams who make us proud every day. They take care of every person who walks through our doors – whether that’s helping with a problem, giving expert advice, or just letting someone take a break and listen to great music. Over the years, they’ve set the standard for customer service. And everyone at Bose is grateful.”
BOSE’s corporate press release says additional closure details will not be publicly revealed. However, the company stated it will offer outplacement assistance and severance to affected employees.
