Massive Crowds Flock to EB Games’ Closing Sale for Last-Minute Deals
In a notable farewell, shoppers flocked to EB Games as the retailer held its closing sale across multiple locations in New Zealand. The 50% off sale sparked immense interest, drawing long lines at stores in Albany Mall, Whangārei, Auckland’s Newmarket, Wellington’s Cuba Street Mall, and Christchurch’s The Palms Mall.
Massive Crowds at EB Games Closing Sale
At the Albany Mall, around 50 customers lined up outside, eager to snag deals. In downtown Whangārei, the queue extended from the front door of EB Games around the corner onto Rathbone Street. Customers were admitted in small groups to manage the flow, a situation mirrored in various other locations.
Long Waits for Bargain Hunters
- Sarah Hayden and her son Oliver traveled over an hour from Wairoa to explore the Gisborne store’s offers.
- The pair expressed concerns that popular items would sell out quickly.
- Ryan, a frequent shopper, lamented the store’s closure while waiting in line.
- Emily Hanson joined the queue around 1 PM, reflecting on her long-standing relationship with the store.
Many customers echoed sentiments of nostalgia and sadness regarding EB Games’ closure. Te Maari MacGregor waited over two hours, ultimately shopping for approximately 15 items costing around $150, thanks to the hefty discount. “With 50% off, it makes a huge difference,” she remarked.
Online Frustrations and Store Closures
As in-store lines surged, online shoppers experienced similar delays. Those attempting to access the EB Games website faced waiting times that exceeded three hours. Many expressed frustration over the slow loading times, as the queue continued to grow.
EB Games has been struggling financially, with reports of multimillion-dollar losses for the 2024 fiscal year. The company has announced that some New Zealand employees might have opportunities in the Australian EB Games operations.
Community Reactions to EB Games’ Closure
The widespread turnout during the sale surprised many observers, who questioned the necessity of the store’s closure. Comments online reflected both nostalgia and disappointment, with some likening the sale turnout to the excitement surrounding new product launches at major tech retailers.
As New Zealand prepares to bid farewell to EB Games, thousands of gamers are seizing the last opportunity to score their preferred games and accessories. The closing sale stands as a bittersweet reminder of the changing landscape of video gaming and retail.
