Actually getting your hands on a phone – to touch it and check the dimensions of the thing – is going to get slightly more difficult now. In addition to the obvious coronavirus restrictions, Carphone Warehouse have announced that all standalone stores will close. This means that 2,900 jobs will go and, although “not related” to the outbreak according to the company, it’s going to have a big impact on the highstreet.
Stores that are situated within PC World and Currys will not be affected – there’s some 305 of those – and around 40% of staff will look to be repositioned in other areas of the business.
Alex Baldock, Carphone chief exec, stated that more and more customers are buying online, or they’re going to the larger PC World and Currys stores in order to get a wider choice of gadgets.
They can’t find all this in the small mobile-only stores that are one-twentieth of the size; they’re visiting these less and these stores are losing more money as a result.
I don’t underestimate how upsetting this news will be for our colleagues, and we’ll treat everyone with honesty, respect and care.
But though this is by far the toughest decision we’ve had to make, it is necessary. We must follow our customers. They want help with all technology, all in one place, and this trend is only going to accelerate in a more connected 5G world.
The company is on track to lose £90m this year, and have had continued losses lately. The internet shoppers are more savvy and hunt for a good deal.
With fewer companies taking on staff right now, those who are losing their jobs face an uncertain future.