Barbeques Galore Closing Stores? Here’s What Employees Should Do Next
The announcement that Barbeques Galore will close its 62 company-owned stores marks the end of an iconic Australian retailer after almost 50 years in business. With around 500 employees affected, many retail workers are now facing uncertainty about their future. Employee redundancy entitlements are expected to be paid as part of the winding-up process.
If you’ve been impacted, remember this: your job may be ending, but your skills are still in demand.
1. Update Your Resume While Everything Is Fresh
Before you leave, write down everything you’ve done, including:
Customer service and sales achievements
Product knowledge and specialist advice
Stock control and inventory management
Point of Sale (POS) systems
Team leadership and staff training
Visual merchandising
Store opening and closing responsibilities
These are valuable skills that employers across many industries are looking for.
2. Look Beyond Retail
Retail experience opens more doors than many people realise.
Your skills are highly transferable to:
Customer Service
Administration
Warehousing and Logistics
Local Government
Banking and Insurance
Hospitality
Sales and Account Management
Call Centres
Government Contact Centres
Employers value people who can communicate well, solve problems and deliver excellent customer service.
3. Understand Your Entitlements
Before your employment ends, make sure you understand your:
Redundancy pay
Annual leave
Long service leave
Notice period
Superannuation
For information about workplace rights and entitlements, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman.
4. Start Applying Early
When a large employer closes, many experienced people begin applying for the same jobs at once.
Updating your resume now, refreshing your LinkedIn profile and beginning your job search early can give you a significant advantage.
5. Think About Where You Want Your Career to Go
Many people use redundancy as an opportunity to change industries completely.
We’ve helped people move from retail into government, healthcare, administration, logistics, customer service and leadership roles. The key is understanding how to present your experience so employers recognise the value you bring.
Redundancy Doesn’t End Your Career
Losing your job can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s due to circumstances outside your control. But with the right preparation, redundancy can become the beginning of a new and rewarding career.
The Australian Redundancy Centre provides practical career guidance, professional resume writing, interview preparation and job search support, helping Australians confidently take the next step in their careers.