Zavvi buys direct as it cancels orders

Zavvi is the latest retailer to set up a direct buying relationship with entertainment suppliers – following EUK’s decline into administration last week.

EUK previously bought and supplied products for Asda, Zavvi, Sainsbury’s, WH Smith, Morrisons and Woolworths. However, since parent company Woolworths pulled it into administration last week, relationships with entertainment suppliers have been troubled.

This morning, Zavvi announced via its website that it was struggling to meet customer demand, due to EUK-related supply problems – and that it had cancelled existing customer orders.

Asda announced on Friday that it will be buying direct from suppliers – including games publishers – to ensure it doesn’t suffer stock shortages this Christmas.

Zavvi told MCV in a statement today:

‘In light of the recent news that the Woolworth’s Group and its CD, DVD & Games distribution arm Entertainment UK have gone into administration, zavvi (in the short term) is dealing direct with relevant suppliers to ensure stock of new release titles such as Take That’s ‘The Circus’ and DVDs such as Hancock and Dark Knight are available to its customers in its 125 UK & Irish stores.’