430 staff to be made redundant

Dick Smith stores across New Zealand will close after receivers Ferrier Hodgson failed to find a buyer for the troubled business.

Sixty-two stores across the country, including Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Whakatane and Rotorua, will close in eight weeks' time – leaving some 430 Kiwi employees redundant.


Receivers Ferrier Hodgson has confirmed all Dick Smith Store in New Zealand and Australia will close in eight weeks' time. Photo: File

Making the announcement on Thursday, Ferrier Hodgson receiver James Stewart says they received numerous expressions of interest from local and overseas parties to purchase the company.

'Unfortunately the sale process has not resulted in any acceptable offers for the group as a whole or for Australia or New Zealand as standalone businesses,” explains James.

'The offers were either significantly below liquidation values or highly conditional or both.”

Kiwi employees made redundant are expected to be paid in full, up to a maximum of $22,160 under New Zealand law.

James says the receivers it's a disappointing outcome for Dick Smith employees who've given loyal service to the business.

'We would particularly like to thank the Dick Smith employees for their support and patience during the receivership process.”

Ferrier Hodgson took control of Dick Smith after the company was placed into receivership in January.

The electronic retail outlet was also raked over the coals by consumers and in the media and after Dick Smith refusal to honour gift cards or refunding deposits.

There are 301 stores in Australia, employing approximately 2460 staff.

3 comments

Stores

Posted on 26-02-2016 12:23 | By Kenworthlogger

They should have stuck with selling components like in the days Dick owned it and ran it very sucessfully.


Hardly surprising

Posted on 26-02-2016 16:43 | By penguin

The company shot itself in the foot by focussing on its house brand and showing little interest in offering other brands. A real turn-off (pardon the pun).


company shot itself in the foot

Posted on 27-02-2016 07:52 | By Capt_Kaveman

on the button there, i said this 12 months ago that they need to pull finger if they want to stay alive


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