Gateway Closing Its Retail Stores, Eliminating 2,500 Jobs

Troubled computer maker Gateway Inc., Poway, Calif., USA, said it will shutter all of its stores next week, eliminating 2,500 jobs, or nearly 40 percent of its work force, The Associated Press reports. The company said that its 188 stores will close April 9 and workers will be dismissed as the store operations wind down by the end of the month. The company, which recently posted its 12th loss in 13 quarters, said it is exploring other ways to sell its wares in United States and abroad but declined to elaborate. It said it would provide details when it releases first-quarter results on April 29.

Gateway said it will continue to sell online and over the phone. It has not said whether it will pursue sales through third-party distributors. The Gateway stores will all close on the same day. Spokesman David Hallisey said the company will sell its inventory in a sale beginning Saturday.