Buzz Bingo announced that it will close nine of its 91 retail locations due to “ongoing and difficult operating environments”.
The UK’s largest bingo operator stated that the closures could affect 151 of its 2,456 employees across its businesses. It said it was “committed” to supporting them during this difficult time.
These are the locations that could be closed:
- Surrey Quays
- Dumfries
- Grantham
- Slough
- Belle Vue
- Bromborough
- Carlisle
- Keighley
- Cumbernauld
Buzz Bingo identified several factors that contributed to the decision to close multiple locations. These include customer behavior changes after the pandemic and the rising cost-of-living, the threat from recession, increased energy costs, and increased operational costs.
According to the operator’s management, the closures are the “best possible outcome for Buzz Bingo’s stakeholders” as they seek to ensure a long-term sustainable and profitable future for the company and its remaining 2300 employees.
Dominic Mansour CEO of Buzz Bingo commented on the closures. He stated: “In common to the rest of the leisure and hospitality industry, Buzz Bingo has not seen customers return to high street shops in the same numbers that before the pandemic.”
“This, along with a squeeze in family finances caused by rising inflation or energy prices as well as an increase in our operating costs, means that we have no other option than to stop trading in nine of the locations.
“These closures will very sadly impact a few of our colleagues. Our priority is to support them all and do our best to minimize job losses. They are my personal thanks for their dedication and service to Buzz.
Mansour concluded that “No one wants to make the decision to close clubs.” But, I believe that these decisions will allow us to restructure our business to ensure long-term growth as well as the protection of the livelihoods and interests of our colleagues.
