JB Hi-Fi chief executive Nick Wells has publicly explained the retailer’s decision to end its Narta membership on 31 December 2026 after 25 years, saying the timing reflects the company’s current size and allows both organisations to focus on their next priorities.
In remarks to Appliance Retailer, Wells addressed supplier questions about why the move was announced now and what it means for buying and data services previously handled by Narta. He said JB Hi-Fi and Narta jointly considered it the right time to conclude the membership. The decision was based on the size of JB Hi-Fi’s organisation today and would let Narta concentrate on supporting its members, he added.
Wells described Narta as an important part of JB Hi-Fi’s growth and thanked its team. He said the retailer would work closely with Narta in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Until the membership ends on 31 December, it will be business as usual, after which JB Hi-Fi will bring some of the services Narta previously provided in-house.
He also said the exit was not about more money. “This is not about more money,” Wells said, adding that the aim was to let both parties focus on the future. He said the decision was not material from an ASX perspective and therefore did not warrant a market announcement, even though it was significant news for suppliers.