Bose are closing 119 stores worldwide meaning hundreds of job losses, saying that retail outlets are no longer needed.

Renowned audio-tech makers Bose have announced a major closure of their retail stores across the globe. All of their walk-in shops across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia will be shut down over “the next couple of months”.

The company says that whilst they are still seeing strong sales, the majority of their retail is done online. The necessity for physical retailers that customers can walk into is no longer there. Whilst it offered a chance for customers to come in and try their equipment, the company reckons that is no longer a commodity for their business.

Bose’s vice president of global sales, Colette Burke said: “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. 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 things now.”

They intend to keep open roughly 130 stores in Greater China and the united Arab Emirates. Additional stores in India, Southeast Asia, and South Korea will also remain open.

Sadly these store closures ultimately mean hundreds of lay-offs across their branches internationally. Bose have promised that they will be “offering outplacement assistance and severance to affected employees. Additional details, including the number of employees affected, will remain private.”

Their first store opened in 1993 in the United States and focused around showcasing their home theatre systems. They evolved with the times and now focus their output on noise-cancelling headphones, TWS devices, portable speakers and smart speakers.

Burke added: “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.”