Bose to Close 119 Retail Stores

Headphone and speaker company Bose has announced the closing of more than 100 retail stores in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia.

According to a statement from Bose, the move is due to a shift in online markets.

Bose has promised to provide outplacement assistance and severance to affected employees. Additional details, including the number of employees affected, will remain private.

Bose stores in Greater China, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia and the United Arab Emirates will remain open.

"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," says Colette Burke, vice president, global sales, Bose. "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."

Bose products will continue to be carried at Best Buy, Target, Apple stores, Amazon and other third-party retailers, as well as on the company’s website.