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DIY and hardware retailer Bunnings plans to close seven stores with the loss of up to 145 jobs.
Photo: 123rf.com
The Australian-owned company said it had revised its network given the Covid-19 sector effect and decided that the stores were no longer viable.
The affected stores are in Ashburton, Hornby, Hastings, Cambridge, Rangiora, Te Awamutu and Putaruru.
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Bunnings NZ director Jacqui Coombes said there had already been pressure before the pandemic.
“Despite the incredible efforts of our teams, the challenges in these stores have been exacerbated as a result of the Covid-19 environment and unfortunately these stores are no longer a viable part of our store network.”
“While in this case the decisions made have been largely related to the challenges of the recent business environment, this proposal has taken into account other considerations, including lease agreements, individual store performance and location suitability , with some of the stores always meant to be temporary. locations, “Coombes said.
The Putaruru store had already been scheduled to close before the pandemic. The others would close in late June.
Coombes said Bunnings’ priority was the welfare of staff and exploring options for those affected.
“This news is understandably annoying and we will work closely with our team during the consultation period to discuss their individual circumstances, including redeployment to other stores if possible.”
Bunnings has approximately 4,500 employees and has received $ 27.2 million in wage subsidies.
The company closed three small-format stores in Te Aroha, Waikanae and Paeroa last year, but plans new stores in Auckland and Queenstown.
