Smartphones, E-Commerce Prompt Bose to Close All US Physical Stores

Bose is closing its remaining 119 retail stores in North America, Japan and Australia over the next several months, a spokesperson emailed Thursday, citing the “dramatic shift to online shopping in specific markets.” It will continue to operate 130-plus stores elsewhere, she said. The audio industry shift to smartphones as source devices and headphones as personal speakers was a driving force behind the decision. “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,” said Colette Burke, vice president-global sales. “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 said “as smartphones changed the industry, the company’s focus turned to mobile, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi solutions.” Its products are largely bought through e-commerce, including Bose.com.