Bose to close 119 bricks and mortar stores worldwide as consumers stream online

Bose has confirmed that it will close all of its brick and mortar stores in Europe, the US, Japan and Australia. In total, 119 retail stores will be shuttered. The process will take several months, says the company.

It plans to maintain a physical retail presence in China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, South Korea and Southeast Asia. It’s not clear how many employees will be made redundant.

The company cites changing consumer habits, and a shift away from physical media, as one reason for the closure.  The first Bose US store opened in 1993, and helped consumers with ‘CD and DVD-based home entertainment systems’, says Bose vice president of global sales Colette Burke.

“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.”