Australian retailer Harvey Norman, planning to close up to 10 stores because of slumping sales, appears not to be considering closures in New Zealand.
Harvey Norman chairman Gerry Harvey said in an interview the first half of the financial year had been "quite difficult", despite the positive impact provided by the Government's $A10.4 billion ($NZ13.19 billion) fiscal stimulus package in December.
There are 65 stores, including 28 in New Zealand, 14 each in Ireland and Singapore, six in Malaysia, two in Slovenia, one in Northern Ireland and the balance in Australia, plus 162 franchises.
"Every month was down on last year," Mr Harvey said. "It's the stores that are not making money. They didn't make money when things were good, they're stores that always struggle - there is just no point in having them."
Advertising would be cut, staff numbers scrutinised and five to 10 stores would close.
Harvey Norman in New Zealand declined to comment on the possible effects here.
However, one source close to the company said only stores in Australia would be affected by the closure plans.
