source: pixabay.com Buzz Bingo, the UK's largest retail bingo operator has today (Wednesday) announced the shock closure of nine bingo clubs
Less than two weeks after UK bingo rival, Mecca Bingo closed seven of its clubs, Buzz Bingo has issued a statement that confirms it is proposing to close nine of its 91 Clubs due “to the ongoing and challenging operating environment”.
In a statement given to Bingo Daily, Buzz which rebranded from Gala Bingo in 2018, blamed a decline in numbers due to the cost of living crisis and rising operational costs.
It is understood that the proposed closures will see 151 redundancies from its 2456-strong workforce as the bingo company looks to secure a sustainable and successful long-term future for the business and its remaining c. 2300 employees.
Dominic Mansour, Chief Executive, Buzz Bingo said of the closures:
“In common with the entire leisure and hospitality sector, Buzz Bingo has failed to see customers return to the high-street in the same numbers as before the pandemic. This, coupled with a squeeze on family finances brought about by rising inflation and energy prices alongside a jump in our own operating costs means we have no real option other than to cease trading in nine of our locations.
These closures will, very sadly, impact a number of our colleagues and so our priority is to support all those affected and to do everything we can to minimise job losses. I personally want to thank them for their commitment and service to Buzz.
Believe me, no-one wants to make the call to close Clubs. However, it is my belief that it’s these decisions that will allow us to restructure the business for long term growth and to protect the livelihoods of our colleagues for the long run”.
Buzz Bingo Clubs Closing
At this time it is not confirmed when the Buzz Bingo clubs are closing. However, the Buzz Bingo clubs identified for potential closure are:
Buzz Bingo Surrey Quays
Buzz Bingo Dumfries
Buzz Bingo Grantham
Buzz Bingo Slough
Buzz Bingo Belle Vue
Buzz Bingo Bromborough
Buzz Bingo Carlisle
Buzz Bingo Keighley
Buzz Bingo Cumbernauld
Another sad day in a sorry chapter for UK bingo. Bingo Daily will keep you updated of events when further information will be made available.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
Its a very sad day again for retail bingo. To all the affected ex colleagues hold your heads up high! Most of you will have given the best part of your years to these clubs, communities and customers. Farewell and Good Luck to you all! ❤️
It will be very sad. If the Buss In Brighton close .As all is oldies look forward to our bingo .and meeting our friends. And plus. I worked for Gala. Then Buss. 28years.
No wonder they are closing. There are far too many link up games at buzz bingo and the amount of gogo games is not acceptable. It was much better when gala clubs were open. It always the same clubs that seem to win as well. Stop all these link up games and cut down on the gogo games and then buzz will probably get a lot of it’s members back.