Bunnings has told staff members of its proposal to close seven stores across New Zealand.

Stores earmarked for closure include the Ashburton Warehouse, the Hornby and Hastings Trade Centres and four smaller format stores Cambridge, Rangiora, Te Awamutu and Putaruru.

Bunnings New Zealand Director, Jacqui Coombes says the decisions taken have largely been connected to the challenges of the recent trading environment.

Ms Coombes says this proposal has taken into account other considerations  including lease arrangements, individual store performance and suitability of location, with some of the stores always intended as temporary locations.

Ms Coombes says a period of consultation regarding the proposed closures with impacted store team members will begin today.

She says “our absolute priority is the welfare of the 145 affected team members. “

“This news is understandably upsetting and we will be working closely with our team during the consultation period to discuss their individual circumstances, including redeployment to other stores if possible. “

“Despite the incredible efforts of our teams, the challenges at these stores have been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 environment and unfortunately these stores are no longer a viable part of our store network.”

She say “while we have been able to leverage the financial position of the Bunnings network and the government subsidy to support our team throughout Level 3 and 4 restrictions, ultimately we have to make the best decision for the long-term performance of our business moving forward which employs close to 4,500 people.”

The proposed closures follow previous measures by Bunnings to reduce the strain created by the trading conditions of the previous month including temporarily reducing salaried team member hours and pay by 20% and working with landlords on rental reductions.

The seven stores would close by the end of June.

Hornby Greater Hornby Residents Association has expressed its saddens on Facebook this evening saying “our thoughts at this time with the effected workers and families.”