41 departments will close by the end of June.
Weeks after it was announced that Big W was planning to close 30 stores over the next three years, it has been revealed that all Big W Optical stores across the country will be closed by the end of this financial year.
41 Big W Optical departments – including the Erina branch – will be permanently shut down by 30th June 2019, affecting an estimated 175 optical store employees.
In a statement released by Big W, the company thanked customers for their loyalty and apologised for the closures.
“We wish to inform you that all BIG W Optical Practices will be permanently closing on 30 June 2018. We apologise for any inconvenience and would like to take this opportunity to thank you kindly for your support as a valued optical customer of BIG W.”
The store also assured the affected employees that they would be supported amidst the closures.
“We have a specialist support resource that is available to all Big W Team members and will remain available for three months after they finish their employment with Big W,” a spokesperson told Insight News after the news was announced.
“We will continue to work with each team member individually to understand their preferences.”
The news comes after Big W revealed 30 stores across the country would need to close due to a $110 million loss in 2017-2018 financial year, and a predicted loss of $80 – $100 million in the 2018-2019 financial year.
SEE ALSO: Red bin collection cuts and tip fee increases in Central Coast Council waste strategy
Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
