Carphone Warehouse is closing all UK stores - with 2,900 jobs to be cut

Carphone Warehouse plans to close all of its 531 standalone stores, and axe 2,900 jobs (Photo: Shutterstock)Carphone Warehouse plans to close all of its 531 standalone stores, and axe 2,900 jobs (Photo: Shutterstock)
Carphone Warehouse plans to close all of its 531 standalone stores, and axe 2,900 jobs (Photo: Shutterstock)

Carphone Warehouse plans to close all of its 531 standalone stores, and axe 2,900 jobs.

Dixons Carphone, which was formed by the merger of Dixons Retail and Carphone Warehouse Group, said that this recent move was down to the change in how customers buy their mobile devices, alongside technology and connectivity.

When will the stores close?

The standalone stores will close on 3 April 2020.

Will employees be able to get new roles?

A total of 40 per cent of employees (1,800) are expected to be able to get new roles within the company, but around 2,900 people are expected to be made redundant.

Group chief executive Alex Baldock said, "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."

What are the next steps?

Following the store closures, the company will focus on selling mobile devices and connectivity in its 305 Currys PCWorld shops, both in-store and online.

Mr Baldock said, "Today's tough decision is an essential part of that, the next step in making our UK mobile business a success for customers, colleagues and other shareholders.”

These changes do not affect the 70 Carphone Warehouse stores in the Republic of Ireland or any operations internationally.

History of Carphone Warehouse

Carphone Warehouse was first founded in 1989 by Charles Dunstone, before later becoming part of Dixons Carphone.

In May 2014, Carphone Warehouse and Dixons agreed a £3.8bn "merger of equals" in order to create an electricals retailer selling phones, fridges, a wide range of gadgets, and offering service and support to customers.

Dixons Carphone, brought the household names of Currys, PC World and Carphone Warehouse together under one umbrella.