By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S ABC Shop will be closed as the national broadcaster phases out its bricks and mortar retail operation in favour of online shopping.
The move affects as many as 300 staff nationally through 50 stores and 78 ABC Centres located in other retail outlets.
A spokesman said the ABC was not commenting on individual shops at this stage.
The timing of the closure will depend on the length of the lease for the shop, in the Westfield Geelong shopping centre.
“ABC Retail will review its lease arrangements with landlords and develop a revised retail model with a focus on ABC Shop Online and ABC branded outlets in other retailers,” an ABC statement said.
“This strategy aligns with the changing retail environment, as consumers increasingly access content digitally through subscription services and downloads and purchase physical products online.
“It is no longer possible for the ABC to sustain a large network of leased stores, traditionally reliant on DVD and CD formats.
“However, ABC DVDs, music, books, toys and merchandise will still be widely available for customers to purchase through ABC Shop Online and other retailers.”
The statement said the ABC would consult with staff over the coming months.
Director of ABC Commercial Robert Patterson said ABC Shops had been an important part of the relationship with audiences for the past 35 years and the decision had not been taken lightly. “However, this strategy will create a more cost effective, nimble and flexible approach to servicing customers.
“This direction is also in keeping with the shift of ABC audiences to accessing content across an array of digital platforms, while maintaining an appropriate level of physical retail distribution.
“The ABC is confident that this new strategy will ensure continued audience engagement. Consumers will still be able to purchase much loved content both online and in stores.”
Head of ABC Retail Regina Hoekstra said the welfare of staff would be a primary focus over the next few months.
“We are conscious that the ABC Shop is close to the hearts of our teams and we appreciate their ongoing hard work and dedication.”
