Marbecks closes store, shifts online only, cuts staff

Marbecks have announced they are closing their Queens Arcade store on Oct 31st 2025, via Facebook: "After more than nine decades in the iconic Queens Arcade, we are closing the doors of our physical store.

But...we are far from saying goodbye! Marbecks will continue to operate online, offering our exceptional range of new releases and the extensive collections of pop, jazz and classical that music lovers have come to trust.

The move to an online store marks the beginning of a new chapter for us, ensuring that you will continue to access the best in music, delivered straight to your door. We will also be only a call away for those who prefer to order by phone or check in for a chat.

Plans are also underway for special Marbecks pop-up events at festivals and music gatherings around the country, keeping the spirit of the store alive for those who love the in-person experience.

With the move to an online-only store, we simply can’t take all of our stock with us. To celebrate our time in Queens Arcade a huge sale begins today, Monday 1 September, both in store and online, with 25% off all in stock items (excluding gift vouchers, new releases and customer orders)."

Owner Roger Marbeck told RNZ that the store closure was due to high rent, declining foot traffic, and changes in consumer behaviour had made it unfeasible to continue. He said closing the Queen Street store was a tough but necessary decision.

"Marbecks is a great store. It's got great people and great customers, and they are friends for life. The thing is that it's changed, and to keep it going and be able to serve the customers we've got, we have to adapt."

The story was covered by TV One News, NZ Herald, RNZ, and Stuff, none of who asked if there would be any staff losing their jobs in the move. They just quoted the press release. Which I know is a common trend amongst time poor journos. But this is a business story, not just retail.

I have heard that all the existing staff will lose their jobs, none are moving to the new iteration of Marbecks. Some staff have worked there for over 25 years, so there's a huge loss of knowledge.

Marbecks was sold by Roger Marbeck in late 2006 to The CD Store chain.  They eventually went bust 5 years later, and he bought the name back in 2013, reopening in Queens Arcade as Marbecks Classical. 

Marbecks bought an existing record store in Queens Arcade in 1934 from R W Strong as "The Record Shop" at store 15, Queen's Arcade, who in turn bought the same business from Caddell's Ltd who started it at Queen's Arcade in 1930, selling Columbia records. The Marbecks name appeared from the 1940s.

Marbecks history - Audioculture article